Awards and bursaries

This Award assists craftspeople at a turning point in their skill development, providing up to three years of business support, subsidised shared studio space at Cockpit, and a grant to support craft skill development. The Award is open to makers practicing any craft discipline, welcoming applications from a wide range of contemporary craft disciplines that align with Cockpit’s remit and craft focus.  

The Newby Trust Award is aimed at a maker with a clear sense of what they want to achieve during the Award period and how having access to studio space, business support, and the Cockpit community will help them take the next step in their practice or business. 

Please note: Due to space, infrastructure, and equipment limitations, we may not be able to support certain disciplines or production methods. If you are unsure whether your practice is suitable for the Newby Trust Award, we encourage you to contact Cockpit ahead of applying to discuss your proposal. 

• Subsidised shared studio space for up to three  years at Cockpit, with an anticipated start date between July and September 2026 

• A £900 grant to support craft skill development 

• Business support services including one-to-one coaching and workshops 

• Selling and promotional opportunities including two annual Cockpit Open Studios events 

• Financial contribution required by maker: 

– £520 (approx. £43 per month) in the 1st year 

– £1,500 (approx. £125 per month) in the 2nd year 

– £3,000 (approx. £250 per month) in the 3rd year 

• A maker practicing any craft discipline who is at a turning point in their skill development, looking to grow and achieve financial sustainability. 

• Please note: Applicants may apply for only one Award or Bursary per round. If you are unsure which opportunity is most suitable for your practice, please contact Kanny Morgan, Awards & Admissions Coordinator, at kanny@cockpitstudios.org.

Newby Trust makes grants to registered charities under the general categories of education, social welfare and health. It also has a small grants programme providing funds for individuals in need.  The Trustees and members of the Trust are all descendants (or spouses of descendants) of the founder, H.N. Smith.

Interviews for the Newby Trust Award will be held on 9 June 2026.

Cockpit is committed to inclusion, diversity, and equity in all our activities, recognising that creativity and innovation are fuelled by diversity. 

Read our full statement and see our aims here.  

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. 

*Global Majority is a collective term that refers to people who are Black, Asian, dual-heritage, mixed-heritage, indigenous to the global South, and/or have been racialised as ‘ethnic minorities’. 

As part of our commitment to increasing diversity, we offer a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who meet Cockpit’s eligibility criteria, the award criteria, and identify as being from a Global Majority background and/or as D/deaf and/or disabled. This scheme recognises under-representation and that structural injustices mean that, currently, there is not a ‘level-playing field’ in our sector or society.  

If you identify as having one or more of these protected characteristics and meet the eligibility and award criteria, please indicate in your application that you would like to be considered under our guaranteed interview scheme.  

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