QEST Emerging Maker Grants
Deadline: August 13, 2025
Submission Fee: Free
Eligibility criteria:
Applicants for our grants must be:
practicing professionally within the field of craft
aged 18 or above at the time of application
living in the UK with the right to reside either permanently or on a long-term basis
intending to continue to practice in the UK and contribute to the UK craft industry
Applications must be requesting training and education that is taking place in the future.
About the grant: QEST offers three grants to support makers and conservators at various career stages, strengthening the pipeline of talented craft professionals in the U.K. The organization supports contemporary and traditional craft, as well as the exploration of innovative techniques. The three tracks include Emerging Maker Grants, the QEST Scholarship, and the QEST Apprenticeship. Grants range from £3,000 to £12,000 depending on the program.
An Emerging Maker is at the very start of their career. They have typically been practicing for around 4 years or less. They demonstrate strong foundational skills and their emerging specialism is reflected in a developing body of work, and growing sector knowledge.
They are committed to skill development and show clear potential for excellence. Their proposed training should build their skills, define their specialism and shape their direction.
Their training plan is well-researched, consisting of high-quality and well paired activities. They show how the training they’ve chosen aligns with their career goals, and their plan is supported by a clear budget.
