Investing in the Future of Craft: QEST’s 35th Anniversary Campaign

Get Involved in QEST’s Campaign: Monday 3 – Sunday 9 November

We’re celebrating 35 years of championing excellence in craft. To mark this milestone, we’ve launched our first ‘Investing in the Future of Craft’ campaign across our digital channels between Monday 3 – Sunday 9 November. The week celebrates craft, creativity and community, shining a spotlight on the 900-strong Alumni, partnerships and programmes, while inviting everyone to get involved by sharing stories of craft, donating £35 for 35 years, and championing its future by using the #QEST.

Our impact is significant, having awarded £7.4 million to almost 900 makers working across the UK in more than 130 different craft disciplines since being founded in 1990. From papermaking to biotextiles, ceramic conservation to sculpture, we support both contemporary and traditional craft skills, as well as innovative techniques and practices. Advancing an individual’s career and passing on skills is central to our mission, with 72% of Alumni either teaching or training other makers themselves.

A thriving craft industry is vital to the UK’s cultural and economic landscape as well as the future world of work. We’re committed to empowering the next generation to see craft as a viable, fulfilling and sustainable career. Since launching our Partnership Programmes in 2023, we have reached over 19,000 young people and children, and supported underrepresented communities to explore craft and conservation careers.

QEST was founded by the Royal Warrant Holders Association in 1990 to celebrate the 90th birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. We are honoured that HM The King is the Charity’s Patron. As a charity, our work is made possible through the generous donations of our funders. Support from individuals and organisations ensure QEST can continue to provide transformative opportunities for talented and aspiring makers across the UK, for the next 35 years and beyond.

Read more and get involved here.

_{Header Image: Jacob Monk}