Makers Announced for International Homo Faber Fellowship 2025

QEST is proud to announce the five UK duos selected to join the third edition of the prestigious Homo Faber Fellowship, an international programme developed by the Michelangelo Foundation to connect today’s master artisans with the next generation of makers.

The Fellowship offers a transformative seven-month sponsored journey, designed to secure the future of craft and artisanship by passing on skills, knowledge and expertise. The programme culminates in an exhibition of co-created works, showcasing how traditional skills evolve through new ideas and cultural exchange.

This year, 23 artisan duos representing 18 nationalities and 19 crafts will take part, with the UK hosting five pairs, including two QEST Scholars:

• Bookbinding: Kate Holland 2023 QEST Penhaligon’s Scholar (British) & Emma Vukman (Danish)
• Straw marquetry: Kim Jordan (British) & Sandra Pinto (British-French)
• Paper sculpting: Kuniko Maeda (Japanese) & Momoka Ienaga (Japanese)
• Millinery: Sahar Freemantle 2020 QEST Scholar (British) & Charlie Tolley (British)
• Boat building: Stephen Beresford (British) & Line Packer (Swiss-British)

These UK-based partnerships highlight the international reach of the programme, pairing masters and fellows across borders and disciplines. From bookbinding to boat building, the duos will not only preserve heritage techniques but also push their crafts forward through innovation and shared creativity.

Save the Date: Applications for the 26-27 Fellowship Open 17 November — 1 February.

Seeking to make crafts culturally, economically and socially relevant for students of applied arts and crafts, Homo Faber Fellowship facilitates the passing down of craft knowledge and skills from one generation to the next, helping talented young artisans take their first steps towards a career in craft.

Since it launched in 2023, Homo Faber Fellowship has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on participants. A survey following the first edition indicated that the programme contributed to the well-being of all of the fellows and 79 percent of the masters, with many noting greater confidence, renewed energy and motivation. In addition, 95 percent of the fellows indicated that the masterclass helped them acquire skills and knowledge and clarify their future career path, while 86 percent of the masters said they had developed their business thanks to the programme and experimented with new techniques thanks to their fellow.

As the UK partner for Homo Faber Fellowship, QEST celebrates the role of collaboration, knowledge-sharing and international partnership in shaping the future of craft. This year’s edition promises to build on that momentum, empowering masters and fellows alike to ensure that skills are not just preserved but reimagined for tomorrow.