Future Makers 2024
Emerging Maker categories
Providing support at a crucial time in the career of young makers, Future Makers creates a platform to showcase talent, as well as providing much-needed financial support.
Why apply?
- Win up to €3,500 to financially support your career
- Qualify for the annual RDS Craft Awards and a chance to win one of 5 awards of €10,000 each to support your future growth
- Achieve recognition for your talent, potential and creativity
Applications are now closed
Emerging Maker Categories
Future Makers Emerging Makers Award
1 Award of € 3,500
This rewards excellence, creativity, technical ability and to give support to students demonstrating most potential to develop their creative practice beyond their current course of study. The Emerging Makers Award offers professional support and the opportunity for makers/designers/craftspeople to build their profile at an early stage in their career.
Sustainable Design
1 Award of €2,000
This award rewards talented and innovative designers and makers who embed sustainability into their practice. Sustainability can take many forms including responsible sourcing of materials, made-to-order production, natural dyeing and glazes, utilising processes or technology to reduce waste and reducing the carbon footprint of products.
By applying for a Future Makers award, you will automatically be considered for this award.
Studio awards
4 Awards of €1000
These awards assist with the costs relating to the set up of a design or craft-based studio/enterprise or the further development of existing studio/enterprise. This support can be used towards studio equipment, raw materials, tools, fixtures and fitting, machinery, branding and signage.
Residencies/Training
3 Awards of €1000
These awards help fund the cost of national or international design and craft-based residency programmes or specialised course in a craft and design discipline during college or summer term. Residency funding aims to support students in the development of their practice and skills and to gain experience of international trends and best practice.
Exhibition
3 Awards of €1000
These awards support participation in a relevant exhibition or trade event, an international or national student exhibition or networking event that will enhance learning relating to specific craft and design discipline or process. The Exhibition Award aims to provide the opportunity to learn, network and build contacts in an international arena.
