INCLUSIVITYETC

Cockpit Arts in London

What is Cockpit Arts?

Cockpit Arts is London’s leading studios for contemporary crafts and the UK’S only business incubator for makers and designers. We’ve supported thousands of makers for more than 30 years. We have an amazing mix of makers at various stages of business – 147 makers in 24 different disciplines, from talented newcomers to world-renowned practitioners.

How does Cockpit Arts support the creative community?

As well as our studio spaces in Bloomsbury and Deptford we provide dedicated schemes for individuals facing barriers in setting up their business. Twenty per cent of our studio holders are in the early stages of their careers and work alongside more mature businesses. It’s this mix and the peer support it generates that gives our makers the encouragement to take risks. We also promote them here and internationally. For example, our work with the British Council’s DICE programme has seen us connect with creative social enterprises in Pakistan and Indonesia.

How do you ensure Cockpit Arts is inclusive?

We recognise that diversity improves performance and fuels creativity, and we are committed to inclusion, diversity and equality in governance and in all our activities. We’re proud of our social, economic and cultural impact – 20% of our makers identify as BAME compared to 4% in the UK craft sector overall, and 81% are female compared to 32% in the UK craft workforce.

Tell us about your new Make It programme.

It is based on the Creative Careers programme which we developed with The Prince’s Trust, but we’ve intentionally widened the criteria to be more inclusive. We welcome applications from any makers who are aged 16-26, have a craft skill that is self-taught, learnt on the job or studied, but who face challenges and need time, space and support to get to the next level.

Sian Zeng is known for her hand-drawn wallpaper designs. She’s been at Cockpit Arts for eight years and last year was named the Grand Prize winner at the Etsy Design Awards. ‘The community spirit is one of the things that attracted me to Cockpit Arts and since setting up my studio, this has become stronger than I could have imagined.’

Majeda Clarke is a weaver and has been with Cockpit Arts since 2016. ‘I would not be where I am today without Cockpit Arts. Most creatives don’t have the first clue about setting up a business but that is what we are. The psychological boost is invaluable and I am always calling on the 150 or so other makers for advice and support.’

Darren Appiagyei is a woodturner and has been a ‘Cockpitter’ since 2017. ‘The distinct lack of BAME representation in craft is disconcerting. It’s impactful to see Cockpit Arts’ commitment to inclusivity and it urges me to continue to develop and build in order to inspire others, particularly BAME minorities.’