FAQs

Here are a list of frequently asked questions. If your question is still not answered, please check out the contact us page.

General

What is Heritage Crafts in one sentence?

Heritage Crafts is the UK charity set up to celebrate, support and safeguard traditional craft skills, and to facilitate a national conversation about their importance to everyone now and in the future.

What is a heritage craft?

Heritage Crafts defines a heritage craft as a craft that:

  • employs manual dexterity and skill at the point of production;
  • requires an understanding of traditional materials, design and techniques; and
  • has been practised for two or more successive generations.

How do I get an entry added or updated on the crafts list?

Please email Mary at [email protected] with your query about the crafts list.

What is the difference between the crafts list and the Maker Directory?

The crafts list is the research list compiled and updated by Heritage Crafts on all of the heritage crafts in the UK, which is updated alongside the Red List of Endangered Crafts every two years.

The Makers Directory is a Heritage Crafts membership benefit that allows any of the charity’s members to have a profile to showcase their work as a maker.

Where is Heritage Crafts based?

The charity is 100% remote and does not have a bricks-and-mortar office.

Membership

Who can be a member of Heritage Crafts?

Anyone. Heritage Crafts membership is open to all, whether you are a professional craftsperson, an amateur maker, or someone who is craft curious.

Can I become a member if I am international?

Yes. We have members from across the world and are grateful for our international members’ support.

Is Heritage Crafts membership an accreditation for makers?

No. Our membership is a program that provides support to the charity while simultaneously building a community of makers and craft curious people alike who wish to support, engage and learn more about Heritage Crafts. 

Should I be an individual member or business member as an independent entrepreneur?

If you run your own business solo, become an individual member. If your business has multiple people who would like to receive membership benefits, then become a business member (up to five people can receive membership digital content). 

Grants/Bursaries/Awards

Can I apply for funding more than once?

Yes. 

If I volunteer for Heritage Crafts, am I allowed to apply for funding?

Yes. 

How long will it take to hear back about my application?

It depends on the funding opportunity and the amount of applicants.

Which funding scheme is right for me?

The Endangered Crafts Fund is for practitioners of at-risk crafts featured on the Red List of Endangered Crafts to overcome an obstacle or undertake a project to make their craft more likely to survive.

Training bursaries are for new entrants or early career craftspeople who are unable to progress because of the cost of training.

Heritage Crafts Awards are for recognition of something you have achieved, and usually come with a cash prize.

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Chair of Trustees sought

Deadline: 15 August 2025

With the charity growing as a result of successful awareness-raising campaigns, advocacy around the role of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and direct sector support and with a new strategic period commencing in January 2026, now is an exciting time to be leading Heritage Crafts as Chair of Trustees.

We are currently looking for a Chair to lead our dynamic Board of Trustees through the next stage of Heritage Crafts’ strategic and operational development.

Please note:
• This role is open to applications from both external candidates and internal candidates / existing Trustees.
• Former Chair experience is not compulsory, with support to be made available for less experienced candidates.

For more information and instructions on how to apply, please visit the linktr.ee in our bio.

Our ongoing governance development is funded by the @heritagefunduk thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.
#matchMAKER opportunity!

Apprentice trouser cutter 

Deadline: 18 July 2025

Anderson and Sheppard Ltd are seeking an Apprentice Bespoke Trouser Cutter to join their team. As part of the role, Anderson & Sheppard will train the successful applicant on site in all aspects of Trouser cutting & bespoke tailoring, with the expectation that the candidate will graduate to eventually become a fully-fledged trouser cutter for the store. This role requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Visit #matchMAKER via the linktr.ee in our bio to find out more.

#matchMAKER is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by @heritagecrafts and supported by @soanebritain.
#matchMAKER opportunity!

Trainee metal spinner apprentice 

Deadline: 31 August 2025

PETA Ltd are looking to source a Trainee Metal Spinner Apprentice for their client, Calibre Metal Spinning. As a Trainee Metal Spinner Apprentice, you will need an interest in joining a workshop environment, learning a range of engineering techniques with a special skill of Metal Spinning.

Visit #matchMAKER via the linktr.ee in our bio to find out more.

#matchMAKER is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by @heritagecrafts and supported by @soanebritain.
#matchMAKER opportunity!

Apprentice fabricator

Deadline: 1 August 2025

The Red7Marine apprentice fabricator is a developing apprentice position working in support of in-house fabrication works. Continually developing their welding and fabrication capabilities on live jobs and in the attainment of knowledge of fabrication, by learning from the experienced fabrication team within Red7Marine and college attendance.

Visit #matchMAKER via the linktr.ee in our bio to find out more.

#matchMAKER is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by @heritagecrafts and supported by @soane