Search is on for craft Rising Stars of 2025

Up and coming makers have until January 20 to apply to Rising Stars, a nationally recognised platform designed to support and celebrate early career makers, including students and graduates from BA and MA programmes in crafts, design, and applied arts across the UK.

The programme offers a curated selling exhibition, further career opportunities, and audience development. For one maker, there will be a solo exhibition at the New Ashgate Gallery in 2026. Both this maker and the runner-up will receive individual coaching from Caroline Jackman, former Head of Craft Business Skills at Craft Council. One of the UK's longest established arts charities, New Ashgate Gallery has a long history of fostering emerging talent.

Rising Stars has successfully helped hundreds of emerging U makers launch their careers. Previous participants have gone on to secure representation by leading galleries, win prestigious awards, and establish successful practices.

Applicants must be early career makers (less than three years in business or still studying). Business registration with HMRC or evidence of work sold is required.
Makers must be based in England, Scotland, or Wales. The organisers cannot accept applications from makers in Northern Ireland due to Brexit-related restrictions. However, makers in Northern Ireland are welcome to email to express interest in future opportunities. This opportunity is for makers looking to work with galleries and actively sell their work. Prototypes are not accepted.

Rising Stars 2025 aims to address underrepresentation in the crafts sector, by offering a minimum of five exhibition places to makers from Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ communities, and those with visible or non-visible disabilities.

There will be an exhibition of makers from 15 March – 26 April 2025, with a Private View and Awards Ceremony on 14 March 2025.

Selected makers will also have the opportunity to showcase with Dan Goode of Making Goode at Handmade festivals in 2025. Details, including reduced participation fees, will be shared in the summer of 2025.

Apply or find out more about Rising Stars.

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