qest scholarships for craftspeople

QEST offers three grants for training, education and skills development to support professional makers and conservators at various career stages, strengthening the pipeline of talented craft professionals in the UK. We support contemporary and traditional craft, as well as the exploration of innovative techniques. We define craft as: the skilled making, by hand, of tangible objects, or the conservation/ restoration of such objects.

Our Scholarship is intended for mid-career to established craftspeople to refine their craft, deepen their specialism or innovate. These grants support talented individuals to sustain vital skills through targeted training.

A Scholar demonstrates excellence and a high level of technical skill. They have a clear creative voice or specialism and can execute ideas effectively. They have a strong body of work that reflects significant experience and knowledge in their field.  Their proposed training will enable them to develop mastery, deepen their expertise, innovate in their field or make a significant career leap. They clearly describe their training plan which is well-researched, consisting of high-quality and well paired activities. They show how the training they’ve chosen will enhance their practice and aligns with long-term career goals, and their plan is supported by a well-planned budget.