If you’re based in Omagh and thinking about starting or developing a career in heritage crafts, new funding could help you take the next step.
Heritage Crafts is offering training bursaries of up to £4,000 to support people learning traditional hand skills and building sustainable craft careers. See the list of eligible crafts.
A total of 31 bursaries are available across the UK, including targeted support for specific groups, with the remaining places open to anyone facing financial barriers and able to demonstrate a strong training plan.
Who should apply?
This opportunity could suit Omagh-based creatives who:
- Are new to crafts but committed to developing practical hand skills
- Already work in crafts but need new skills to bring products to market
- Want to expand or diversify their craft business with specialist training
What the bursary covers
Funding of up to £4,000 can be used for:
- Apprenticeships with experienced craftspeople
- Specialist training courses (accredited or non-accredited)
- One-to-one or group training with craft experts
- Essential costs such as tools, materials, travel, or accommodation (up to 30% of the total award)
The bursary is designed to support skills development, so it cannot be used for living expenses, salaries, exhibitions, research, or promotional activity.
Why this matters for Omagh
For local makers, artists and early-stage craft businesses, this funding offers a practical route to build skills, improve product quality, and strengthen long-term earning potential. It also supports the wider creative economy by helping preserve traditional skills while enabling new business growth.
If you’re serious about turning craft into a career, or taking your existing work to the next level, this is a strong opportunity to invest in your future.
How to apply
Before applying, take time to read through the application questions and frequently asked questions on the Heritage Crafts website.
You can apply by completing an online form, or sending a video or audio application (up to 15 minutes long) to rae@heritagecrafts.org.uk.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 12 June 2026.
For more information, watch a recording of the Heritage Crafts Q&A session below on grants, awards and bursaries.
