The Theo Moorman Trust aims to encourage and support weavers in the United Kingdom to enjoy artistic freedom so that they may contribute to the development of handweaving and the education of future weavers.
Biennially they award grants to younger weavers in the early stages of their careers who show potential and commitment as well as to more experienced weavers for a particular project or for time out to develop their work.
The Theo Moorman Trust for Weavers has been in existence since 1990 and aims to be a valuable resource for both young and experienced weavers. The Trustees want to ensure that the grants that are made enable individual weavers to maintain a high standard of work, and through this, to promote weaving as an art form.
Often a small grant can make all the difference at a key stage of development, by allowing time to think through ideas, train in a particular technique, or through the provision of a physical space or equipment. Short-listed applicants are interviewed, so that they can talk through their work in detail with Trustees.
Who may apply
Weavers living and working in the United Kingdom may apply. Whilst the Trust may fund some specialist weaving courses formal under-graduate and post-graduate studies will not be funded. Applicants need to have at least two and a half years working experience of their weaving independent of higher education (including post graduate courses) before applying. Applicants must be able to supply images of work done in the last two years.
Criteria
Trustees make grants of between £500 and £5000 to enable weavers to:
• purchase special equipment to pursue their craft in a creative manner.
• enjoy a sabbatical period to reassess the creative nature of their work.
• undertake a specific project or projects in furtherance of their craft which might not normally be possible.
• develop the craft in any other way in which the Trustees, at their absolute discretion, think fit.
See the website for previously funded projects.
When to apply
Grants are awarded biennially.
The closing date for the next application is 1st March 2018.
Applications received after this date will not be considered.
Selection date: 9 March 2018. Interview date: Monday 19 March 2018.
How to apply
Complete the application form and send it with five jpeg images of your work by electronic transfer to the administrator. The application form is available to download in two forms – a pdf which needs to be printed off and completed and a word document which can be filled in before sending with the images.
What will happen next
The trustees will meet to select a shortlist of applicants for interview in Bristol for which five pieces of work will be requested. The interviewee should be prepared to speak about one piece in more detail.
Those invited to attend an interview will be informed the day following selection. Applicants must be available for interview if invited. Selection and interview dates will be put on this website as soon as they are available. Successful interviewees will be notified the day after the interviews.
The Trust will require a short report after six months and a final report after 12 months.
Along with the final report successful applicants will be asked to provide a summary report and an image to be included in The Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers.
The Trust will assume that successful applicants are happy for images of their work to be used in the Journal, on this website or for general publicity purposes unless told otherwise.
The decision of the Trustees is final in all matters.
Text: Theo Moorman Trust website
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