If you are a talented and aspiring craftsperson working in the UK you can apply for QEST funding of up to £18,000. This can cover traditional college courses, vocational training, apprenticeships or one-to-one training. We spoke to QEST to find out more...
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust
Are you a talented craftsperson or maker looking to further your training?
Perhaps you want to spend time with a master craftsperson honing your skills, or travel abroad to attend a specialist course in your craft?
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) supports excellence in British craftsmanship through scholarship and apprenticeship funding, striving to make a difference to the lives and careers of talented and aspiring makers working across the UK. Alumni have used their funding to support traditional courses, for example ceramicist Alice Walton who QEST supported during her MA at the Royal College of Art, while others choose to spend time with a master of their craft, such as windsor chairmaker Jason Mosseri of Hopesprings Chairs who travelled to Tennesse to learn the art of birdcage chair construction with Curtis Buchanan.
Alternatively, some scholars choose to put together their own training plan combining a number of courses.
Handcrafted. Photo credit: Julian Calder
At QEST we define craft broadly and are excited to support contemporary innovation as well as traditional craft skills. From luthiery to printmaking and thatching to enamelling, portrait painting and silversmithing, we embrace craft in all its forms and are proud to contribute towards its evolving tradition. QEST funding has provided an essential turning point for many of our alumni, and we continue to support them throughout their career, offering opportunities for exhibitions, collaborations and commissions through our extensive craft network.
Glass blowing. Photo credit: Julian Calder
Over the last 30 years QEST has awarded over £4.5million to more than 550 individuals working in 130 different disciplines.
QEST was founded by the Royal Warrant Holders Association in 1990 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Association and the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. In 2017 HRH The Prince of Wales became our Patron, with Vice-Patrons the Earl of Snowdon and the Marquess of Salisbury.
The next application round will be open 14 July – 24 August 2020.
If you are interested to find out more please visit www.qest.org.uk
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