Building a Diverse Pipeline of Exceptional Craft Talent
Through our partnership programmes, we’re building a more inclusive and sustainable craft sector by investing in pathways and essential support for careers in craft and conservation.
Our collaborative approach enables us to develop targeted and impactful initiatives, delivered with the necessary expertise and care.
At the heart of our work is a commitment to reducing barriers to craft careers and empowering individuals and communities to lead creative, fulfilling lives.
From inspiring children and young people, to increasing visibility of makers with learning disabilities, to supporting early-career craftspeople — our programmes are shaping a diverse, thriving and future-facing sector.
Key Partnership Programmes
QEST’s strategy includes three core programmes which directly address the need for better diversity and inclusivity in the sector:
Craft&Making Clubs
In partnership with National Saturday Club, with support from Howdens.
Making the Future
In partnership with Education and Employers. Funded with the support of the Royal Warrant Holders Association, The Semma Fund, Mercers' Charitable Foundation, DBR Limited, Soane Britain, The Broderers’ Charity Trust and the Tylers and Bricklayers Charitable Trust.
Know-How Craft Studio
In partnership with Intoart.
Tradition in Transition:
Youth Journeys Through Heritage Craft
The project combines:
— Three regional CraftLab programmes with partners Hub Sleaford (shoemaking), Sheffield Museums (metalworking) and Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery (weaving),
— Follow-on Craft Career Kickstarter micro-grants to support individual progression and;
— A co-created digital Craft Traditions Library, leaving a legacy beyond the project.
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. ‘Tradition in Transition’ is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Read more about the project here.
Selected Partners
CRAFT&MAKING CLUBS
National Saturday Club gives 13–16-year-olds the opportunity to study subjects they love at their local university, college or cultural institution, for free. In 2022 The National Saturday Club and QEST partnered to launch the Craft&Making Saturday Club, generously supported by Howdens.
The clubs give young people an opportunity to try their hand at a wide variety of crafts, including jewellery making, printmaking, woodworking, embroidery, bookbinding and glassblowing, and to meet professionals to find out about careers in the craft and manufacturing sectors. Click here to view a map of the Craft&Making clubs across the UK.
In 2024, 12 clubs with 200 young people attended weekly classes.
MAKING THE FUTURE
Education and Employers inspires children and young people by connecting them with a wide range of volunteers from the world of work.
QEST is working with Education and Employers to build the ‘Making the Future’ campaign, encouraging young people in secondary schools to think about a career in the crafts and conservation sectors. QEST alumni have been volunteering through an online matchmaking platform to connect with local schools, and craft-specific career events are being held virtually and in-person throughout the academic year. To read more and sign up as a volunteer, click here.
In 2024-25, 13,000 school children learnt about craft and conservation careers. Read the Impact Summary here.
KNOW-HOW CRAFT STUDIO
Intoart is a pioneering visual arts organisation championing learning disabled and autistic people as visible, equal & established artists and designers.
QEST and Intoart have collaborated to develop the Know-How Craft Studio, a programme which launched in 2024 offering a workshop programme, commissions and masterclasses in craft disciplines led by specialist craftspeople, including QEST Alumni. This foundation allows the participants to progress to opportunities for commissions and exhibitions. QEST also supported the development of an in-house textile department with dedicated practitioners and technical team.
In 2024, 1,092 hours of craft activities were delivered to artists with learning disabilities.
If you want to support or get involved in any of the Programmes, please contact Lala Thorpe, Education & Partnerships Manager:
