COMPASS - Emerging Maker Programme 2022

COMPASS is Craft Scotland’s learning and development programme created specifically for makers. Each strand of the programme is designed to support makers at key stages of their business and creative practice. The COMPASS: Emerging Maker Programme is aimed at professional practicing makers in the early stages of their craft career, who have been in business between 1 and 4 years.

The COMPASS programme takes a practical approach to nurturing a creative business through the early stages of development. The programme is delivered through a combination of online workshops, an immersive 5-day residential, one-to-one sessions, specialist advice, peer learning, work critiques and mentoring. It draws on the experience and skills of established makers and creative industry experts who share their insights and advice.

Each participant will be matched with a mentor at the end of the programme. You will also be provided with resources to enhance your learning experience. Throughout the programme, participants will be supported by the Craft Scotland team, who will steer you through the process and answer any questions you might have.  

Timeline: 

• deadline for applications: Thursday 11 November 2021 at 5pm
• interviews will be conducted: late November 2021
• applicants will be notified by: Friday 3 December 2021

All applicants must be professional, practicing makers who have been in business between 1 and 4 years. All makers must live and work in Scotland.

You may be: 

• a recent graduate (of any discipline) newly entering the craft sector
• a maker moving into a craft profession later in life, or as a second career
• a self-taught maker or one who has come to the profession through informal educational routes (such as community education, online learning or evening classes) 
• a maker who is now looking for ways to develop a new or relatively new craft business 

Craft Scotland is looking for makers who: 

• produce works of contemporary craft
• demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of materials, excellence in making (process and skill), and an artistic vision
• work within the following materials/disciplines: ceramics, wood, jewellery, glass, textiles, furniture, lighting, leather, basketry, bookbinding, millinery and mosaics

Visit the Craft Scotland website to see craft disciplines they support. 

Successful applicants will be expected to pay a £350 participation fee. You may pay the participation fee in 3 instalments if agreed in advance.

This fee contributes to the cost of administering the programme, including staff costs, accommodation for the residential parts of the programme and speaker/mentor fees. COMPASS is generously supported by the William Grant Foundation and Creative Scotland. Places on the programme are subsidised by Craft Scotland to allow you to access high-quality, affordable training in Scotland. 

Dedicated places on COMPASS: Emerging Maker Programme 2022 are available for makers with lived experience of being Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage and/or a Person of Colour, refugee, D/deaf, disabled and/or working class. 

This programme is for professional, practicing craft makers in Scotland who have been in business between 1 and 4 years.

This programme will support up to 10 makers. 

Visit the Craft Scotland website to read the fund guidance and complete an application form.