New Rising Star Craft Award launches

News article

New award to support emerging makers

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) and Sanderson have partnered to launch a prestigious new award for emerging makers.

The Rising Star Craft Award will recognise an early-to-mid career craftsperson making a positive contribution to their craft, the wider craft sector and the community.

The Award will shine a spotlight on this rising talent and provide a cash prize of £25,000 to support the maker at a critical moment of their career. 

Who can apply

To enter, the maker must be nominated by a credible person. For example, a craft industry professional, tutor, colleague, peer, or a similar individual who knows the maker and their work well in a professional capacity.

Nominees can come from all craft disciplines from across the UK, as long as they:

  • are a committed maker who has been practising professionally in their craft field for two to seven years
  • have a strong foundation and clear commitment to their craft, but are still in the process of developing their skills and expertise
  • have a strong connection to materials, technical skills and processes

Explore the criteria in more detail and nominate a maker for the 2024 Rising Star Craft Award.

Nominations close on Friday 17 May 2024.

The winner will be announced in early October.

First published 9 April 2024