Awards and bursaries

Basketmakers’ Award

Sponsor

About

The Award aims to assist a basketmaker to start up and grow as an independent maker and business owner. We look for applicants who demonstrates entrepreneurial spirit, creative excellence and developed craft skills. The Company, in addition to supporting the Award financially, will be involved with the promotion and the selection of the recipient.

What's included

  • Studio space for 1 year within the creative community at Cockpit.
  • Business support services including one-to-one coaching and business development workshops.
  • Selling and promotional opportunities, including two annual Cockpit Open Studios events.
  • Required maker contribution: £500 per year (approx. £42 per month)

Who can apply?

A basket maker working in any craft discipline, who can demonstrate dedication to developing, nurturing and passing on their craft.

How to apply

If you have any questions, check our FAQs page or contact us.

We particularly encourage applications from those who are underrepresented in craft including non-graduates, disabled, D/deaf and neurodiverse people, LGBTQ+ people, and people from Black, Asian and Global Majority backgrounds. We welcome applicants from a range of educational backgrounds and there is no minimum formal qualification for this programme.

About the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers'

The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers was constituted by the Court of Aldermen in 1569, granted a livery of thirty in 1825 and received its Royal Charter from George VI in 1937. The Company was formed to regulate the basketmaking trade in the City of London and in 1463 trade was concentrated in the manor of Blanche Appleton, in the area of the present Guild Church of St. Margaret Pattens. The Company not only possesses a superb collection, extending more than three centuries, of plate, regalia and records, but many examples of basketwork, including some miniature Madeira baskets presented by the late Princess Royal when she became an honorary Freeman as was the late Queen Mary. HRH the Duchess of Gloucester is currently an honorary Liveryman of the Company.

About Awards & Bursaries at Cockpit

We encourage prospective applicants to attend an Awards Open Day to visit the studios, meet the Cockpit team, and find out more about our awards and bursaries. Attending is not essential to apply but can be a helpful way to understand whether Cockpit is the right environment for your practice. Book a place at our next Awards Open Day here. Booking is required and places are limited. 

All awards and bursaries at Cockpit include subsidised shared studio space, business support, and membership in a vibrant craft community, giving successful makers the space and time to develop their profile, grow their business or practice, and increase profitability. We are looking for applicants who demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit, creative excellence, and highly developed craft skills. 

Please note: 

  • You will be responsible for arranging and paying for your own public liability insurance (minimum £5m) and contents insurance before the start date. 
  • You need to be entitled to remain in the UK for the period of the Award. Cockpit is unable to sponsor or support visa applications. Successful applicants must be UK citizens or have settled status in the UK, in line with the Haberdashers’ Company’s higher education scholarships for ‘home’ fee paying students. 
  • You must be committed to taking up the Award and staying for its duration, completing our Business Incubation programme for new joiners, as well as engaging with business support throughout your time at Cockpit. 
  • We may review your commitment to the Award annually by an interview process. 
  • At the end of your award period, you will be able to make an application and interview for a standard studio to stay on at Cockpit. 

Past awardees: Ella Merriman, Esna Su

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