For the 2026 edition of Collect, Crafts Council is pleased to introduce three new bursaries to support UK-based makers from global majority backgrounds.
Each Collect Open bursary will provide a package of support worth £5,000 to three successful Collect Open applicants from global majority backgrounds who are in need of financial support. The bursaries are designed to help overcome financial barriers to participating in Collect and include mentoring, business development support, operations, PR and marketing assistance, as well as a one-off financial allowance for any additional costs the maker may incur.
We are delighted to be launching the Collect Open bursaries in response to our research, which highlights how financial barriers can hinder participation in Collect and career progression in craft. The bursaries reflect Crafts Council’s commitment to equality and diversity, supporting our goal to increase representation and build a more equitable platform for exceptional emerging craft voices within this highly regarded programme.