Cockpit Arts: The Clothworkers’ Foundation Awards 2014

Call for applications
“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

Introduction
Applications are invited for the Cockpit Arts / The Clothworkers’ Foundation Awards 2014 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 a representative from The Clothworkers’ Foundation, and 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 Leclerc and Louet looms and the following benefits:

The Award
The Cockpit Arts / The Clothworkers’ Foundation Awards 2014 recipients will be awarded a match funded place, worth £2,000, with shared use of looms at Cockpit Arts Deptford for one year, with the possibility of support for a further year.
This includes the following benefits:
• Up to 6 Awards worth £2,000 with the remaining £2,000 fee being provided by the Award winners, payable on a monthly basis.
• 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.
• Business and professional development services including on-site coaching, a personalised development plan, access to finance, workshops and events.
• A range of selling and promotional opportunities including Cockpit Arts Open Studios selling events.
How to apply
➢ Please request a “Clothworkers Award” application pack from sam@cockpitarts.com
➢ Deadline for receipt of applications is Friday 11 April 2014, 12pm.
➢ Interviews with shortlisted applicants will be held on Monday 28 April 2014.
➢ Winners will be expected to take up their place at Cockpit Arts by July 2014.

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

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 RDI 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. 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, and in 2011 was awarded the accolade of Royal Designer for Industry (RDI).