The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) is closing gaps in access, knowledge and careers for young people aged 16–25. The project is bringing together three regional CraftLab programmes, building on existing partnerships with Sheffield Museums, The Hub in Sleaford and Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery. It’s also offering micro-grants to support individuals and is co-creating a digital library to document the project.
These free programmes will work with local youth groups from under-served backgrounds, including ethnically diverse young people. They will include:
- local youth workshops
- co-created showcases
- career events featuring demonstrations from master craftspeople
- hands-on activities and youth presentations
After each CraftLab, there will be an open call for young people to apply for micro-grants up to £750. The grants will fund training, mentoring and travel to support skills in metalworking, shoemaking or heritage weaving. Each grantee will also receive four hours of mentoring from a craft practitioner and a youth board member.
The digital library will feature a craft directory and be an interactive resource on QEST’s website, with the research and resources developed by young people.
Sheffield Museums, one of the partners involved in the project, said: “Sheffield has a vibrant community of metalwork artists and makers, and this project will enable young people to explore heritage craft skills, engaging with Sheffield’s unique designated metalwork collection as well as with local makers and creatives.”
If you’re looking to meaningfully engage young people with heritage, explore our good practice guidance.
