QEST and Cockpit launch Professional Development Programme for new QEST Scholars
9th June 2021
QEST and Cockpit are delighted to announce a brand new initiative to help new QEST Scholars build the core skills needed to develop a more sustainable practice.
Delivered over a three month period, the bespoke, information led, practical and progressive programme of online workshops will cover topics including: developing a strategic vision, planning the business and practice that you want, understanding how to target audience and market and effectively communicate to them, improving business’ capacity for growth and much more.
In addition to the online workshops, the participants will also be able to access resources on a programme microsite and continue discussions in a scholar WhatsApp group. Each scholar will receive a one-to-one meeting with a Cockpit business coach to conclude the programme in September.
QEST CEO Deborah Pocock says, “Skills in marketing, pricing, defining your target audience and other key areas of running a business are crucial for makers in order to establish viable businesses and flourishing careers. We’re really pleased to be able to provide this additional ongoing support for all our new scholars. Last month we awarded funding to 22 makers who have already begun the programme and it’s wonderful to see them come together, share ideas and plan where they want to take their business.”
Cockpit CEO Annie Warburton comments “QEST and Cockpit are natural partners with a shared mission to empower talented craftspeople to succeed. It’s been my privilege to serve on QEST selection panels, and ever since I joined Cockpit, Debbie and I have been exploring how we could work together.
A QEST scholarship is a career-transforming moment for makers, enabling them to invest in their skills. This new initiative supports scholars with the best of Cockpit’s professional development and business coaching, giving them a framework and tools with which to map out their future. I can’t wait to see where they take their careers.”
About Cockpit Arts:
Cockpit is London’s leading studios for contemporary crafts and the UK’s only business incubator for makers and designers. Established in 1986, Cockpit is an award-winning social enterprise, recognised on the NatWest SE100 index of top UK social enterprises and an accredited London Living Wage employer.
Through public showcases and business incubation services, Cockpit provide exceptional makers and materials-based artists with the tools to succeed. Many of the artists and makers based at Cockpit are recognised internationally as leaders in their field.
Cockpit offer an expert business support package and dedicated studio space to enable makers setting out on their careers, as well as those more established, to make the most of their talent.