QEST offers three grants for training, education and skills development to support professional makers and conservators at various career stages, strengthening the pipeline of talented craft professionals in the UK. We support contemporary and traditional craft, as well as the exploration of innovative techniques. We define craft as: the skilled making, by hand, of tangible objects, or the conservation/ restoration of such objects.
Since 1990, QEST has funded the training and education of almost 900 makers. Training can take many forms, from traditional college courses to vocational one-on-one tuition with a master craftsperson, or a bespoke programme of short courses. If you’re looking to develop your skills and have identified training that will enable you to advance your craft practice, then one of our grants may be for you.
We welcome applications from all talented craftspeople, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or nationality; and particularly encourage those with protected characteristics that are under-represented in the craft sector to apply.
Please note applications are open twice a year:
Autumn 2026: 8 July to 12 August with awards made in November for training taking place from January 27.
Spring 2027: Mid-January to mid-February with awards being made in June for training taking place from July 27.
To apply
Applications must be completed by 5pm on Wednesday 12 August 2026.
Find out more and how to apply, at the QEST website below.
Applications must be completed by 5pm on Wednesday 12 August 2026.
