Nominations open soon for Sanderson’s Rising Star Craft Award

Now in its second edition, the biennial Rising Star Craft Award – brought to you by Sanderson and the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust – celebrates emerging craftspeople who demonstrate exceptional skill, dedication to their discipline, and a meaningful contribution to their community and the wider craft sector.

Nominations open on Monday 13th April and close on Friday 5 June, with nominations open to UK makers. Entries must be submitted by a credible referee and are limited to early-to-mid career craftspeople with two to seven years of professional practice, who demonstrate strong foundational skill, commitment to their craft, and ongoing development of their expertise.

Finalists will be selected by a panel of judges including QEST CEO Deborah Pocock, Sanderson Design Group CEO and QEST Chair Lisa Montague, former Crafts editor and QEST Ambassador, Debika Ray, The World of Interiors Style Director Ruth Sleightholme, and Hugo Macdonald, curator, consultant, and Design Critic at Wallpaper*. They will be joined by Hanny Newton, recipient of the inaugural 2024 award, recognised for her pioneering use of straw as a sustainable alternative to metal threads.

The selection process includes an interview at Voysey House – Sanderson’s historic headquarters and home to its design studios and archive – followed by an award ceremony in October.  The winner will receive a £25,000 prize to support the development of their craft.

Lisa Montague says: “We are delighted to see the Sanderson Rising Craft Award return for its second iteration – a fantastic opportunity to celebrate emerging talent and champion the strength of British creative industries. Nurturing and preserving heritage craft, and opening the doors to the world of design, sit at the very heart of our mission at Sanderson.”

“It’s inspiring to witness the breadth, depth, and diversity of young craftspeople in our industry, and I look forward to meeting this cycle’s cohort.”

Deborah Pocock says: “We’re hugely grateful to Sanderson for their continued support of this important craft prize which helps craftspeople at a pivotal moment in their journeys. Through opportunities like this, we can champion the power of craft, give new voices a platform, and help ensure the next generation of makers can develop their skills and ambitions.”

“We’ve already seen the transformational impact the prize can have through Hanny Newton, the inaugural winner, and we look forward to seeing what this year’s applicants will bring.”

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Main image credit: Sanderson Design Group