New Rising Star Craft Award launches

QEST is delighted to be collaborating with international luxury interior furnishings brand Sanderson to launch an exciting new award, with a cash prize of £25,000 for the winner.

The winner will use the prize money to put towards activities such as studio costs, equipment, materials, training and education or project costs which would benefit the wider community.

The inaugural ‘QEST Sanderson Rising Star Craft Award’ aims to recognise an emerging talent who is making a positive contribution to their craft, the wider craft sector and community.

Shining a spotlight on this craftsperson will provide a boost at this critical moment of their career, helping them to become leaders in their chosen craft field. 

Judges for the award include Interior Designer Benedict Foley, World of Interiors editor Emily Tobin, Crafts Magazine editor Debika Ray, QEST CEO Deborah Pocock and Sanderson Design Group PLC CEO Lisa Montague.

Lisa said the prize perfectly fits with the company’s forward-thinking attitude to nurturing craftspeople.  

“We could not be prouder of this prestigious new award, creating a fantastic opportunity to recognise a rising star, elevating talent through the power of British creative industries,” she said.  

QEST CEO Deborah Pocock said she’s looking forward to discovering the work of some outstanding nominees.

“This award will bring upcoming talent to the fore, highlighting craftspeople whose work not only deserves recognition, but also reward,” she said.

“We’re honoured to be collaborating with Sanderson on this prize which will be career-changing for the winner.”

This opportunity is open to makers across all craft disciplines from across the UK.

To enter, the maker must be nominated by a credible person – which includes craft industry professionals, tutors, colleagues, peers, or others and who must know the maker and their work well in a professional capacity.

Nominees will be an early-to-mid career craftsperson, defined as follows:

• a committed maker who has been practising professionally in their craft field typically between two to seven years
• a strong foundation and clear commitment to their craft, but who are still in the process of developing their skills and expertise, with a strong connection to materials, technical skills and processes.

Nominations close at the end of day on Friday 17 May. The winner will be announced in early October.

Click here to read the nomination criteria and to fill out a nomination form.

Main image credit: Frances Priest, credit Shannon Tofts.