Apply today for new QEST & Heritage Crafts ‘Sustainability Award’

Are you a craftsperson who is passionate about environmental sustainability and is actively making a difference? Then this article is for you!

QEST has teamed up with Heritage Crafts to introduce a new Sustainability Award with a £2,000 cash prize. It’s aimed at those who have made a change to their materials or processes or innovated in another way to measurably reduce their impact on the environment within the last 12 months.

This award will recognise a craftsperson working with traditional craft skills or materials whom has taken clear and effective steps to improve their environmental sustainability as well as the long-term viability of their business.

Apply here today: bit.ly/HCQESTSustainability

QEST and Heritage Crafts believe we can (and must) all play a role in building a sustainable future – small changes by many can amount to big changes for all. We therefore want to celebrate and reward those who have innovated in their craft, adapting a material or process to become measurably more sustainable.

Judges for the award include renowned craft environmental craft advocate Katie Treggiden, author of Wasted: When Trash Becomes Treasure (Ludion, 2020) and podcast Circular with Katie Treggiden.

Anyone (including the craftsperson or micro-business themselves), can put their name forward for the Heritage Crafts and QEST Sustainability Award. The winner will be invited to attend the high-profile Winners’ Reception at the Vicar’s Hall, Windsor Castle, on 15 November 2023, where the result will be announced and the £2,000 prize awarded.

Pictured below is textile artist Hanny Newton who, with support of a 2023 QEST Scholarship, is learning about the historical use of straw as an embroidery fibre and its potential as a natural and sustainable alternative to gold thread.

Glass maker Lulu Harrison (also pictured below) is another great example of a craftsperson who is committed to reducing her impact on the environment. She is using her QEST Scholarship to pioneer experimental and sustainable glassmaking from locally sourced and waste materials. 

Applications are now open and close on Friday 1 September 2023 at 5pm.

Deborah Pocock LVO, CEO of QEST said:

“QEST believes in the potential of craft to contribute to a better, more sustainable environmental future, and we know that there are many talented and pioneering makers leading the way. Through this new award, we are looking forward to seeing how their ideas and approaches might impact their craft sector, and inspire others to make a change.”

Daniel Carpenter, Executive Director of Heritage Crafts said:

“In the 259 crafts (and counting) that Heritage Crafts represents, we know that there is a huge body of knowledge that will be vital in helping both current and future generations tackle the environmental challenges ahead. We are delighted to be partnering with QEST to celebrate our shared sustainability pioneers and role models.”