Awards & Sponsorship
At craft&design we are known and respected for our appreciation and understanding of British craftsmanship, which we continually strive to promote. As part of our support for British craft makers, both newcomers and full time professionals, we have sponsored – and continue to sponsor – some high profile industry awards.
We are pleased to have sponsored the Newcomer Award at bctf (British Craft Trade Fair) since 1996, this coveted award for emerging designer makers brings a level of recognition that is influential in helping them become established in the professional craft industry.
Our Award at Potfest in the Pens each year encourages both new and established potters to develop new work by creating a unique piece for the themed competition. The Student Award at Art in Clay, which we sponsored for ten years, successfully promoted the work of many young graduates to a wide and appreciative audience.
In 2010 we sponsored the Best New Business Award at The Contemporary Craft Fair in Bovey Tracey and Made by Hand in Newport, South Wales for the first time. Again, this reflects our commitment to helping new makers establish and develop their businesses.
In 2008 we co-sponsored (with Warm Glass) The People’s Prize at the prestigious British Glass Biennale in Stourbridge, whilst in 2010 we selected for our own craft&design Award at the British Glass Biennale. We present this award in recognition of innovation and skill by glass artists with all levels of experience, from students to top professionals.
Since 2009 craft&design has also co-sponsored (with W.G. Ball) the Guild of Enamellers Student Bursary Scheme, which helps young enamellers as they start up in business.
In 2009 we launched our own craft&design Selected Awards – which have the same aim as every other Award that we are involved with – to acknowledge excellence in craft and design skills and to help designer makers in Britain and Ireland to promote and sell their work.