A London charity and social enterprise that gives craft makers affordable studios in Bloomsbury and Deptford plus business coaching, described as the UK's only business incubator for craft.
Cockpit Arts, also known as Cockpit, is a London organisation for people who make things by hand. It provides affordable studio space and business support to more than 175 independent craft businesses across more than 20 disciplines, such as ceramics, jewellery, textiles and woodwork. It describes itself as a social enterprise and as "the UK's only business incubator for craft", which means it helps craft businesses to start and grow rather than just renting them a room. Its Cockpit Edit online shop sells objects directly from makers.
The organisation has existed for around 40 years, since 1986 according to a 2016 article about its 30th year, and its own site mentions "40 years of craft excellence". For its first years the main goal was providing affordable workspace, and around 2002 it began adding coaching and support for craft businesses. Its chief executive, Vanessa Swann, said in 2016 that the goal goes beyond workspace to learning, growth and business development. The pages we read do not set out a formal mission statement beyond bridging the gap between talent and opportunity.
Cockpit Arts has two sites in London: Cockpit Yard on Northington Street in Bloomsbury and 18 to 22 Creekside in Deptford. It is a registered charity, number 1029643. In 2016 about 25 craftspeople joined each year, many through awards and bursaries from trusts and partners, and the organisation held Open Studios twice a year where the public could buy directly from makers. Through the London Creative Network, begun in 2015, it also offered consultancy beyond its own studios, and it advised on craft social enterprise in Thailand, Vietnam and Korea.
On culture, the 2016 article says its activities for makers are compulsory, with one-to-one coaching, seminars, access to loans and micro-finance, and residencies. It reviews its methods regularly to see what works. The organisation also holds workshops, courses and events, including jazz nights. Madeleine Furness was named as the Business Incubation Programme Manager. These are descriptions from the organisation and a trade article, not independent reviews.
The people who work for Cockpit include business coaches and programme managers who help makers, studio and building managers, fundraising and communications staff, retail and events teams for Open Studios and the online shop, and finance and administration colleagues. It shows how a craft career can include running a business as well as making. Makers can also apply to join the studios. The organisation's website lists its makers, awards and current news.
Website: cockpitstudios.org
PURPOSE helps school and university students explore 62 sectors and over 1,000 entry-level careers in the UK, then connects them directly with employers.
Explore PURPOSE