Apply for QEST training grants of up to £18k

In its role of sustaining vital skills in traditional and contemporary crafts, twice a year the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) offers three grants to support makers and conservators at various stages of their careers. Grants are available for education and training, with Scholarships of up to £18,000, Emerging Maker grants of up to £10,000, and up to £12,000 towards an apprentice’s salary.

Many glass artists have benefited from these funds over the years. For example, in the Autumn 2024 round of awards, stained glass artist Natasha Redina received an Emerging Maker award towards a Master’s in Glass and Ceramics at the Royal College of Art. Her QEST funding will enable her continued development and refinement of technical and artistic skills. Fann Chau also received support as an apprentice in glassblowing, working at Michael Ruh Glass Studio in London.

The Spring round of grants is now open, with applications closing at 5pm on Monday 10 February 2025. The awards will be made in May 2025.

Since its founding in 1990, QEST has awarded £7 million to almost 900 individuals working across a broad range of disciplines, including in glassblowing, thatching, guitar making, sign writing, ceramics and many more.

If you are interested in applying, visit the QEST website to read the guidance documents about each category. You can also sign up for a Zoom information session and apply here: https://www.qest.org.uk/qestgrants/