It’s that time of year again! Applications are now open for six Awards and Bursaries, including one brand-new Award for footwear makers. For nearly 40 years, Cockpit has provided funded and subsidised studio spaces in London for talented craftspeople, along with in-house business support and coaching. Keep reading for the details on our spring Awards intake and how to apply.
Open Until: 15/04/2026
Posted: 11/03/2026
We’re thrilled to announce a brand-new Award for our 40th anniversary year! The Cordwainers’ Award supports a footwear maker for one year to develop their practice or business at Cockpit through subsidised shared studio space and business support. The Award is intended to support a maker whose work includes the design and making of footwear and who would benefit from time, space, and structured support to move their practice forward.
Meanwhile, makers working in leather more generally can apply for the Leathersellers’ Award, which assists makers working in leather looking to take their business to the next level with up to three years of business support, subsidised shared studio space at Cockpit Deptford, and use of our Leather Hub.
We’re also accepting applications for several Awards for makers working in textiles. The Clothworkers’ Award assists makers working in weave to start up and develop in business. Weavers can be working in any form: for example, making products, creating woven textile art, working with mills, and/or providing weave services such as consultancy or making samples for industry.
The Haberdashers’ Award assists makers working in knit who demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit as well as creative excellence and craft skills, and who are committed to working closely with Cockpit to realise their longer-term goals. While the Dyers’ Company Award is a one-year award supporting a maker using dyes or colourants in the course of their work.
And finally the Newby Trust Award assists craftspeople at a turning point in their skill development and is open to makers practicing any craft discipline. For this Award, we welcome applications from a wide range of contemporary craft disciplines that align with Cockpit’s remit and craft focus.
Thinking of applying but want to know more? Join us in Cockpit Deptford on Tuesday 17 March for our Awards Open Day, from 4.30-6.30pm.
Find out more and apply HERE
