Cockpit Arts / The Clothworkers’ Foundation Awards 2012

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS ` COCKPIT ARTS / THE CLOTHWORKERS’ FOUNDATION AWARDS 2012

“We are keen to support weavers who have recently graduated to help them pursue their skill and build a career. This scheme provides an opportunity for several talented designer-makers to access affordable studio space, equipment and business support to help them achieve their goals.”
– Andrew Blessley, Clerk, The Clothworkers’ Company

Applications are invited for the Cockpit Arts / The Clothworkers’ Foundation Awards 2012 which aim to assist weavers to set up in business by providing studio space and business support provided by Cockpit Arts as well as shared use of looms. There are 6 Awards available and the selection panel (including the acclaimed ikat weaver and designer, Mary Restieaux) will be looking for individuals who demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit as well as creative excellence and craft skills. The Awards will include space in a shared studio equipped with ‘Arm’ looms and the following benefits:

ï‚· Studio space and use of looms within the creative community of Cockpit Arts at Deptford, London SE8 with access to office facilities and resource centre.
ï‚· Business and professional development services including on-site coaching, a personalised development plan, access to finance, workshops and events.
ï‚· A range of selling and promotional opportunities including Cockpit Arts Open Studios selling events.
Further information including an application form is available from Beckie Kingman, Studio Manager, Cockpit Arts, 18-22 Creekside, London SE8 3DZ; telephone 020 8692 4463;

email beckie@cockpitarts.com

The deadline for receipt of applications is Monday 12 December 2011. Interviews with shortlisted applicants will be held in January 2012.

Background.
Cockpit Arts is a social enterprise and the UK’s only creative-business incubator for designer-makers. We are a renowned hotbed of creative talent, focused on nurturing and supporting talented designers and artisans with a craft basis to their work. We help 165 resident designer-makers to grow their businesses and hundreds more through our dedicated professional development workshops. We work with both new and established businesses aiming to increase profitability without compromising on creativity and our incubator package is proven to fast-track business success. www.cockpitarts.com
Current weavers at Cockpit Arts include established designer-maker Eleanor Pritchard, Shirley Ann Dixon and newcomer Rita Parniczky.

The Clothworkers’ Foundation was set up by The Clothworkers’ Company in 1977. It is an independent charitable arm for the Company’s charitable work. In order to ensure that links with its textile roots are maintained, the Foundation funds textile projects which it considers to be of national importance.

Mary Restieaux is known for her striking and precise ikat weaves. She studied at the Royal College of Art from 1972-74 under the expert guidance of Marianne Straub. She has been involved with the College ever since as a Research Fellow and as a mentor to the students and graduates of the Fashion and Textiles Department. Mary makes wall hangings, designs for the fashion and furnishing fabric industry and has been the colour consultant for Herve Leger, Paris and Missoni, Italy. Recognised internationally, her work is in many collections, including the V&A Museum, the Government Art Collection and the Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, Japan. She has taught in all the London Art Schools. In 2005 she was made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Art. In 2010 she received the Worshipful Company of Weavers Silver medal.

Images: Work by weaver Eleanor Pritchard (left), Eleanor Pritchard in her studio at Cockpit Arts Deptford (centre), Work by Mary Restieaux (right)

Please contact josie@cockpitarts.com for further press information and images.

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