Crafting the Future – Residency

Crafting the Future is a new funded creative residency supporting an emerging maker or designer to research, reinvent, and innovate within an endangered craft practice.

We are seeking proposals from artists or designers to undertake a one-month supported residency in The Art House’s purpose-built, accessible studios, with full access to our Maker Spaces. This opportunity supports artists and designers living and working in the UK who are interested in exploring the evolution of craft, sustainability, and contemporary design.

This residency champions practices connected to endangered and at-risk crafts, particularly those listed on the Heritage Crafts Association Red List, while actively encouraging experimentation with contemporary materials, processes, and ideas.

Craft plays a vital role in shaping cultural heritage, identity, and innovation. However, contemporary craft and design are often under-recognised within the visual arts sector. Crafting the Future seeks to address this imbalance by providing time, space, resources, and professional support for a maker to push their practice forward and help shape the future of contemporary craft.

Who We’re Looking For

We particularly welcome applications from creatives working with, or interested in:

• Endangered or at-risk crafts
• Sustainable and environmentally conscious making
• Contemporary reinterpretations of traditional skills
• Craft practices intersecting with design, innovation, and cultural heritage

You do not need to already work within a Red List craft. However, applicants should demonstrate a clear interest in developing skills, knowledge, or experimentation within endangered or at-risk craft practices.

Facilities and Making Opportunities

The Art House offers exceptional facilities that can support a wide range of craft and design practices, including:

• Print Studio – papermaking, bookbinding, lithography, block printing on paper and textiles, including pigment-making using organic materials

• Ceramics Studio – suitable for pottery and ceramic-based practices

• Urban Garden – supporting sustainable pigment, dye, and ink production using herbs, plants, and vegetables grown on site

Supported by The Radcliffe Trust

Key Information

• When is it open? The call-out for this opportunity will open in February 2026
• Residency type: The selected artist, designer or maker will be invited to take a one-month residency
• When: We can support a residency taking place anytime between April–March. each year, and can break up the time periods to suit the artist’s needs.
• Who it’s for: Artists or designers living and working in the UK, with an interest in craft, making, and design, especially with string connections to endangered crafts, skills at risk or sustainable making.
• Discipline: Open to artists and designers working in any medium, particularly those engaging with craft, making, sustainability, or material-led practice.
• Focus: The residency supports practices connected to endangered or at-risk crafts, particularly those listed on the Heritage Crafts Association Red List, as well as contemporary reinterpretations of traditional skills.
• What’s provided: Support budget: £2,500 (suggested £1,500 artist fee, £750 material, £250 travel) and studio space and accommodation at The Art House.
• Free access (with technician support) to Print Studio, Ceramic Studio and Darkroom
• 1–2–1 coaching and mentoring with The Art House Programme team
• Professional development support tailored to the artist, available during the residency and for up to 12 months afterwards, as agreed with the designer and Programme team

When and How to apply

• Application type: We know time is precious, so a short, simple Expression of Interest (EOI) in text, video, or audio will be asked.
• When is the open call live: The open call will be announced in February 2026– follow us on socials, and subscribe to our newsletter for the most up-to-date announcements