Current & Past Programmes
Over the next 3 years, current programmes will make way for new initiatives. The existing, and past, programmes have nurtured and supported makers over many years and are recognised as kite marks of quality within the sector. However, the Crafts Council believes changes are appropriate in response to the challenges makers currently face.
Craft Residency: the V&A and Crafts Council in partnership at the Sackler Centre
The Crafts Residency at the V&A allows makers to develop their practice through working within a cultural institution and engaging in public participatory programmes. It comprises three six-month, discipline-specific residencies at the V&A Sackler Centre for arts education. The first Residency in 2008 was in Jewellery, awarded to Dorothy Hogg MBE, who was followed by Mary Butcher, Contemporary Basketry artist who completed her Residency in December 09. The third and final Craft Residency has been awarded to Laurence Kavanagh, with a focus on Automata. Laurence will commence his residency this summer.
For more information about the V&A Residency programme, see the V&A website
The Craft Residency at the V&A is one of three schemes piloted by the Crafts Council for mid-career or established makers since 2008.
For more information on these download Mid-Career Pilot Programmes
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Crafts Council Development Award
"From a personal view point the award really did mean the world to me. It had a drastic impact on my confidence, allowing me to pursue ideas and concepts that were only really dreams prior to the award....it has helped to broaden my creative horizons." 'Pulling the Threads', Crafts Council Development Award Research Report, Be Curious Ltd. January 2009
The Crafts Council Development Award has now closed and no more applications will be accepted.
The Crafts Council Development Award (Formerly the Setting Up Grant) supported over 1300 makers set up and grow their practices since it's inception in 1973. It became the Crafts Council Development Award in 2003 and a further 116 awards were made to makers working in England, including Junko Mori, Julie Cook, Ismini Samanidou, Merete Rasmussen, Pottinger & Cole and Linda Florence. The Award provided financial support to purchase major pieces of equipment, together with a programme of professional development support.
Download further background and a list of recipients of the Crafts Council Development Award
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Next Move
'I have managed to set up a business with skill and confidence' Next Move Recipient, Next Move Evaluation, BOP Consulting, 2008
Working in partnership with Higher and Further Education Institutions since 2000, Next Move has supported 56 makers, all new graduates from BA and MA applied arts and 3D design courses, in 23 host colleges, across 8 regions. By providing annual, two-year placements with access to workspace and specialist equipment, maintenance and equipment grants and business training and support, it has allowed these makers to set up creative practices within a protective environment and supportive framework. The final group successfully completed the scheme in December 2009.
In the recent evaluation carried out by BOP Consulting 89% of placements stated that their practice changed as a result of participating in Next Move and a third that it had helped them to open up new markets, locally or internationally.
Download further background and a list of Crafts Council Next Move Placements
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