Applications for QEST funding opening soon

19 Jun 2023

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) awards scholarship and apprenticeship funding of up to £18,000 to talented and aspiring craftspeople working in a broad range of skills, from farriery and jewellery design, to silversmithing, dry stone walling, glassblowing cheese maturing, sculpture and more. The next application round is open 10 July - 14 August 2023 and they are looking for more talented applicants - would you be able to help us spread the word to your members, followers and network?

QEST celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2020 and since 1990 has awarded £5.5million to 800 individuals working in over 130 different crafts. They define craft broadly and welcome applications from all areas including rural skills, contemporary craft, conservation, luthiery and much more. A directory of all their alumni can be seen on their website, along with more details on how to apply - www.qest.org.uk.

In addition to our Scholarship and Apprenticeship funding, QEST are launching their Emerging Maker Grants this summer. This new funding opportunity supports talented early-career craftspeople in their development. Makers with four years or less of professional practice, who have a strong connection to materials, technical skills and processes, can apply for up to £10,000. The funding specifically supports training and education to enable makers to enhance their craft skills and advance their careers. The training can take many forms, from traditional college courses to vocational one-on-one training with a master craftsperson, or a bespoke programme of short courses.

‘How To’ sessions

QEST will be running three ‘How To’ sessions via Zoom to introduce interested makers to the different funding available, tips and advice for filling in your application and the opportunity for a Q&A: