QESTgrant
QEST Emerging Maker Grant
- Who Can Apply: Early-stage professional craftspeople and conservators, typically practising for around 1 to 5 years, aged 18 or over, living in the UK with the right to remain permanently or long-term.
- The Focus: Funding for essential training and education that builds core craft skills and techniques: one-to-one training, short or specialist courses, or higher education.
- The Funding: £3,000 to £10,000 towards training costs. Travel, accommodation and materials should be no more than about 30% of the request.
- Key Requirements: Online application form; one 12-page document of images of your work (max 15 MB, a one-line description for each image); one written reference; a researched and costed training plan.
Applications openJanuary 13, 2027
DeadlineWednesday, February 17, 2027
AwardGrants between £3,000 and £10,000 are available.
Locationnational
ParticipationRemote
Career stagesEmerging
DisciplinesCraft, Contemporary and traditional craft, Conservation and restoration, Skilled making by hand
Age range18–
Application notesApply through QEST's online form, available only while the round is open (13 January to 17 February 2027): register on the QEST website, receive a link to your form by email, and save and return as needed. A Word version of the form is on qest.org.uk/qestgrants for drafting. You may apply for only one QEST grant per round. Request between £3,000 and £10,000, mostly for training fees; QEST recommends that travel, accommodation and materials make up no more than 30% of the request. Training must start after 1 July 2027 and within one year of the award. Required supporting documents (the application is not assessed without them): (1) images of your work in ONE document of 12 pages, maximum file size 15 MB, high quality, with a one-line description for each image, showing your own work or stating which parts you made (one main image per page is suggested); (2) ONE written reference from a professional or credible source, giving the referee's name, job title, company and contact details, how they know you, and a statement vouching for your craft skills and endorsing your specific training plans. The form asks about your practice, career history and previous training, your goals, and each proposed training activity with its costs and expected impact. This is QEST's most competitive grant, with a success rate of about 5%. Assessment has four stages (eligibility check, two written reviews, interview); interviews are in April/May at QEST's offices in central London or on Zoom, and grants are confirmed in June. If you do not reach interview you may reapply next round; after an interview you must wait at least one year.
Contactinfo@qest.org.uk
QEST
Organization based in London