QEST

Who we are

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust is a charity that transforms the careers of talented and aspiring makers by funding their training and education, creating pathways to excellence and strengthening the future of the UK’s craft sector.

QEST has awarded more than £6million to almost 800 individuals working across the UK in 130 different craft disciplines. From guitar making to printmaking; thatching to enamelling, we embrace craft in all its many forms and are proud to contribute towards its evolving tradition.

QEST funding has provided an essential turning point for many of our alumni, and we continue to support them throughout their career, offering opportunities for exhibitions, collaborations and commissions through our extensive craft network.

Alongside our Scholarship, Emerging Maker and Apprenticeship programmes, QEST has introduced a Crafting Tomorrow programme. It's all about inspiring a new generation of makers by offering opportunities to develop hand skills, meet professional craftspeople, and explore careers in craft and making.

Working in collaboration with key partners,  we are reaching out to communities across the UK where there are barriers to participating in craft activities or learning about creative careers.

QEST was founded by the Royal Warrant Holders Association in 1990 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Association and the 90th birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. In 2017 HRH The Prince of Wales became our Patron, with Vice-Patrons the Earl of Snowdon and the Marquess of Salisbury.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) believes that diversity of all kinds enriches its mission to support excellence in British craftsmanship. It is the charity’s intention to achieve greater equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across the organisation; its wider network and amongst those it supports, regardless of their background.

We recognise that our commitment to EDI requires constant learning. We are on a journey, and we know we must evolve and improve.

We continually review our aims, actions and practices, ensuring that we are transparent in our commitment to, and reporting of, all matters relating to EDI.