Seventeen charities and cultural organisations across the UK have been selected as recipients of the Goldsmiths’ Foundation’s inaugural grants programme, offering vital support for projects that break down barriers, safeguard heritage skills, and open new creative pathways for underrepresented communities.

Earlier this year we invited UK based charities to apply for grants of up to £50,000 from the Goldsmiths’ Foundations’ Inaugural Grant Fund. We welcomed applications to fund core costs or for specific projects and were thrilled to receive such an interesting and diverse range of submissions from organisations that share our focus on vocational skills and training.

Today we are pleased to announce that a total of £750,227 in grant funding has been awarded to 17 charitable partners from across the UK. From an Iron Age village on the shores of Loch Tay in Perthshire which delivers apprenticeship programmes for young people with barriers to employment, to an organisation that supports rehabilitation through creative employment by training prisoners and prison leavers in paid high-level needlework and textiles production, each of our partners sits at the intersection of creativity and social change.

Artbox London is a supported art studio where learning disabled and otherwise neurodivergent artists come together to create, connect, and grow. Through art, their artists build confidence, form friendships, and develop new skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
They empower their artists to create, exhibit, sell, and license their work—celebrating their creativity and sharing their unique talents with the wider community. At the heart of Artbox London’s mission is a commitment to improving wellbeing and promoting inclusion for learning disabled and autistic people.
AT The Bus is a charity that provides transformational, school-based art as therapy to children and young people aged 5-16 who are struggling with their mental wellbeing. Their work builds self-esteem, confidence and independence through creativity, supporting improved educational, behavioural and relationship outcomes.
Bishopsland Educational Trust is an internationally recognised charity dedicated to the training and education of emerging makers in the heritage craft of silversmithing. It is a residential organisation that combines workshop space, accommodation, advanced skills tutoring and business mentoring. Over the last 32 years, they have mentored and trained more than 270 emerging silversmiths, created opportunities for them to connect and learn from one another, and established networks of skilled craftspeople across the UK and beyond. Bishopsland’s society of Fellows are some of the foremost craftspeople in their field. They continue to pass their skills on to others and contribute to maintaining excellence within Britain’s craft, trade and industry.
Blueprint for All is a national charity that works to build a fairer, more inclusive society by supporting young people aged 9-30 from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Blueprint for All runs several programmes, with Building Futures as its flagship initiative for the built environment sector. Since 2015, it has supported over 1,000 young people through mentoring, bursaries, skills workshops, and career opportunities. In 2024 alone, the organisation reached over 8,000 young people across the UK, partnered with 80+ organisations, and provided career opportunities across 21 career pathways.
Creative Kernow provides a range of creative programmes and activities, working towards a thriving Cornwall powered by creativity. They support and deliver more than 200 cultural events every year across Cornwall, working with over 500 partners including artists & creatives, community groups, venues, attractions, businesses, schools and grassroot organisations.
Escape2Make (E2M) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation that aims to help 11-18s, from all walks of life in the Lancaster & Morecambe area to escape from boredom, social media, loneliness and any pressure at school or home by providing free creative activities. E2M creates safe, kind, welcoming spaces through its creative clubs and 5-week programs that result in community events (such as festivals, cabarets, fairs and markets) that are hosted by local artists and local businesses. All the activities are inclusive and free and designed to help young people make things, make friends and make a difference in the community.
Fine Cell Work (FCW) trains prisoners and prison leavers in high-level, paid needlework and textiles production, supporting rehabilitation through creative employment. Operating in 32 prisons across England and a community Hub in London, FCW helps participants build employable skills, improve well-being, and transition successfully into society.
The Govanhill Baths Community Trust aims to re-open Govanhill Baths – an Edwardian public bathhouse that was opened in 1914 to improve public health – as a wellbeing centre which will be run by the community, for the community and contribute to the wider social, cultural and built regeneration of Scotland's most ethnically diverse neighbourhood.
Heritage Crafts is the national charity for traditional heritage crafts and a UNESCO accredited NGO for Intangible Cultural Heritage. Working in partnership with Government and key agencies, they provide a focus for craftspeople, groups, societies and guilds, as well as individuals who care about the loss of traditional crafts skills, and work towards a healthy and sustainable framework for the future.
Hypha Studios is a charity that matches creative people with empty spaces, acting as a mediator between landowners and artists to break down traditional barriers for collaboration and culture. Through this they are helping regenerate high streets by creating cultural hubs and curating events for local communities in otherwise empty shops.
Institute of International Visual Arts (iniva) is a UK-based arts organisation dedicated to advancing the work of artists from African, Asian, Caribbean, Polynesian, Latinx and diasporic backgrounds through exhibitions, residencies, education, the Stuart Hall Library, and its archive.
Intoart is a pioneering visual arts organisation committed to equity, visibility and social justice, led by the creative ambition of learning disabled and autistic people as artists and designers.
Their studio in the heart of Peckham and has been embedded within the communities of South London since the year 2000. Intoart’s full-time studio programme spans art, design and craft and is an alternative art school committed to access to long-term creative practice. They curate award winning exhibitions and wide-ranging public commissions, publishing and design collaborations in the UK and internationally.
For decades, the National Theatre has been focused on turbo-charging creative skills and professional development. To address the growing skills shortage and to ensure equal representation within the sector they have launched a new National Theatre Skills Centre – offering more resources, training and professional development opportunities to boost specialist skills across all areas of theatre, with opportunities available nationwide from entry-level to mid-career.
Open City is a charity working to make the built environment more open, accessible and equitable. The organisation delivers programmes including the award-winning Accelerate mentoring programme for young people traditionally excluded from architecture; the flagship Open House Festival, which opens up and celebrates London and its communities each September; and a year-round programme of events, award-winning podcasts, tours, and publications to democratise public knowledge about cities and the way we live in them.
Peckham Platform is a cultural-community organisation that delivers creative skills training, visual arts exhibitions, outdoor cultural events, public realm commissions, and engagement programmes, with particular focus on their Youth Platform initiative for marginalised young people aged 12-26. Each year they work with more than 500 participants to create programmes that reach approximately 40,000 people.
The Creative Dimension Trust (TCDT) offers fully funded workshops and work experience placements to talented young people from less advantaged background who have the potential to forge careers where precise hand-eye co-ordination and the ability to construct 3-dimensional shapes are required. TCDT aims to give participants aged 14-20 in craft disciplines the same kind of opportunities that are available in sport, drama and music.
The Scottish Crannog Centre gives visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in Iron Age village life on the shores of Loch Tay in Perthshire, with more than 30,000 people stepping 2,500 years into the past during the last year.
Delivery of impactful and inclusive educational experiences, training and skills development in traditional crafts and creating lasting social impact are at the heart of the organisation, which operates as an SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) centre delivering apprenticeship programmes for young people with barriers to employment, and is focused on creating training opportunities for young people in Scotland's most deprived area for access.

“The inaugural grants fund reinforces our continued support for the development of technical and vocational skills not just in our jewellery and silversmithing trades but across craft, design, art and architecture. The 17 grants announced today will empower these organisations to invest in the training and development of skills within their communities.” - Michelle O’Brien, Foundation Director, the Goldsmiths’ Foundation

“On behalf of the Goldsmiths’ Foundation’s Board of Trustees, I would like to wish our 17 new charitable partners a very warm welcome. We were fascinated by your applications, captivated by your commitment to your communities, and excited to realise the impact that we can achieve together.” – Michael Prideaux, Interim Chair of the Goldsmiths’ Foundation Board of Trustees

Artbox London

Artbox London is a supported art studio where learning disabled and otherwise neurodivergent artists come together to create, connect, and grow. Through art, their artists build confidence, form friendships, and develop new skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.

They empower their artists to create, exhibit, sell, and license their work—celebrating their creativity and sharing their unique talents with the wider community. At the heart of Artbox London’s mission is a commitment to improving wellbeing and promoting inclusion for learning disabled and autistic people.

Funding from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation will enable Artbox to continue to deliver programmes that support over 80 artists with learning disabilities and autism, including regular studio sessions, artist residencies, cultural outings, and exhibition opportunities - all designed to promote skills development, inclusion in the arts, and personal wellbeing. The fully equipped studio is often the only creative or social space the artists access each week. Funding contributes to staff costs, artist fees, materials, and access costs. This grant will enable Artbox to deepen its support for participants frequently excluded from traditional platforms and development routes, increasing artistic development and personal growth.

“With the support of the Goldsmiths’ Foundation, we’re most excited to see our artists thrive — growing their creative voices, confidence, and professional opportunities. This grant helps us break down barriers to participation in the arts, showcase the originality of our artists’ work, and build a more inclusive community where disabled and neurodivergent artists are recognised, celebrated, and valued.” – Madeline Alterman, Co-director of Artbox London

AT the Bus

AT The Bus is a charity that provides transformational, school-based art as therapy to children and young people aged 5-16 who are struggling with their mental wellbeing. Their work builds self-esteem, confidence and independence through creativity, supporting improved educational, behavioural and relationship outcomes.

Funding from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation will enable AT The Bus to deliver school-based art-as-therapy programmes across Oxfordshire and London, reaching up to 1,370 children and young people aged 5 to 16. Using The Beattie Method, the weekly art sessions support improved wellbeing and school attendance in children and young people who have a range of complex social and emotional needs and are hard to reach.The grant will be used towards programme delivery, staffing, art materials and resources, visiting artists, youth voice development and facilitator training.

“We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen for an inaugural grant. This will be transformational, helping us to make strides in continuing to increase our reach, embedding art and creativity in the hearts and minds of thousands of young people, their families, teachers and the wider community.” – Juli Beattie OBE and Maggie Scott, Joint CEOs, AT The Bus

Bishopsland Educational Trust

Bishopsland Educational Trust is an internationally recognised charity dedicated to the training and education of emerging makers in the heritage craft of silversmithing. It is a residential organisation that combines workshop space, accommodation, advanced skills tutoring and business mentoring. Over the last 32 years, they have mentored and trained more than 270 emerging silversmiths, created opportunities for them to connect and learn from one another, and established networks of skilled craftspeople across the UK and beyond. Bishopsland’s society of Fellows are some of the foremost craftspeople in their field. They continue to pass their skills on to others and contribute to maintaining excellence within Britain’s craft, trade and industry.

Aimee Mackay at Bishopsland - ©Peter Flude

Funding from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation will will support the delivery of four 2-day silversmithing taster workshops for University and higher education students. Participants will gain hands-on experience in design, metalwork, and creative processes, supported by expert tutors and alumni. Funding will cover materials, tutor time, photography, and coordination. The project aims to raise awareness of craft careers, address barriers to entry into the heritage skills sector and demonstrate that there are sustainable silversmithing career pathways.

“With support from The Goldsmiths’ Foundation, we’re opening the doors of silversmithing to more students through hands-on sessions with expert makers. It’s a privilege to help inspire the next generation and carry forward the traditions of excellence in goldsmithing, silversmithing, and jewellery.” – Claire Murdoch, Chief Executive of Bishopsland Educational Trust

Blueprint for All

Blueprint for All is a national charity that works to build a fairer, more inclusive society by supporting young people aged 9-30 from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Blueprint for All runs several programmes, with Building Futures as its flagship initiative for the built environment sector. Since 2015, it has supported over 1,000 young people through mentoring, bursaries, skills workshops, and career opportunities. In 2024 alone, the organisation reached over 8,000 young people across the UK, partnered with 80+ organisations, and provided career opportunities across 21 career pathways.

Blueprint for All has been awarded funding from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation to support 50 undergraduate architecture students from ethnically diverse or low socio-economic backgrounds over one academic year. The ‘Building Futures in Architecture’ programme will deliver technical skills training, mentoring, and networking with industry professionals across the UK. The programme seeks to bridge the divide between academic learning and professional practice, with funding supporting staffing costs, mentoring and a digital model that ensures national accessibility.

“We are thrilled that the Goldsmiths' Foundation is funding Building Futures in Architecture: Bridging Skills Between Education and Industry. Vocational training is at the core of the programme, giving young people practical skills and real-world experience to help them succeed. This support allows us to bridge the gap between education and industry, preparing diverse talent to step confidently into the built environment sector.” – Sonia Watson OBE, Hon.FRIBA, Hon.FRIAS, Chief Executive of Blueprint for All

Creative Kernow

Creative Kernow provides a range of creative programmes and activities, working towards a thriving Cornwall powered by creativity. They support and deliver more than 200 cultural events every year across Cornwall, working with over 500 partners including artists & creatives, community groups, venues, attractions, businesses, schools and grassroot organisations.

Funding from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation will enable Creative Kernow to deliver four targeted skills development programmes supporting up to 60 creative practitioners across Cornwall’s most disadvantaged areas. These initiatives – focused on glass and ceramics, jewellery making, wholesale business development, and sustainable practice – aim to address Cornwall’s critical gaps in education, training, and career support within the creative sector by providing both technical and business training and tackling socioeconomic disadvantage through creativity. Funding will be used for tutor fees, materials, a London showcase, small bursaries, and programme delivery. Participants will become CKA members giving access to further development and pathways to showcase their work.

“We are absolutely delighted to have received support from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation. This grant feels hugely affirming – it recognises both the talent of Cornwall’s creative practitioners and the importance of continuing to invest in their skills and development.” – Anna Harris, Creative Kernow Associates Manager

Escape2Make

Escape2Make (E2M) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation that aims to help 11-18s, from all walks of life in the Lancaster & Morecambe area to escape from boredom, social media, loneliness and any pressure at school or home by providing free creative activities. E2M creates safe, kind, welcoming spaces through its creative clubs and 5-week programs that result in community events (such as festivals, cabarets, fairs and markets) that are hosted by local artists and local businesses. All the activities are inclusive and free and designed to help young people make things, make friends and make a difference in the community.

Funding from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation will enable E2M to sustain and consolidate core staffing capacity during a period of rapid growth, following the opening of a new youth centre and the launch of Connect, a major outreach programme. The funding will support the delivery of free, artist-led creative activities for 11–18-year-olds across Lancaster and Morecambe, areas with significant socioeconomic disadvantage, helping up to 200 young people build skills, improve mental health, and develop a sense of belonging; enable E2M to deliver tailored support for young people unable to attend school due to anxiety, and extend outreach to vulnerable groups including young refugees, children of prisoners, and those undergoing cancer treatment.; and support evaluation and research into the impact of E2M’s work, ensuring this growth is both sustainable and inclusive.

“Escape2Make (E2M) are incredibly honoured to receive this support from the Goldsmiths' Foundation. This grant will strengthen E2M's offer by providing the infrastructure required to remove barriers for 11-18s to access free creative opportunities. These opportunities tackle the youth mental health crisis by helping them to make new friends, build self-confidence and gain an improved sense of wellbeing and achievement. Goldsmiths' funding is a game-changer for E2M and the young people the organisation reaches.” – Kyle McKenzie, CEO of Escape2Make

Fine Cell Work

Fine Cell Work (FCW) trains prisoners and prison leavers in high-level, paid needlework and textiles production, supporting rehabilitation through creative employment. Operating in 32 prisons across England and a community Hub in London, FCW helps participants build employable skills, improve well-being, and transition successfully into society.

Funding from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation will support the expansion of FCW’s project, which over the next year will train 700 prisoners and 35 prison leavers through four key programmes, including in-cell embroidery classes, commercial prison workshops, support for advanced 'lone stitchers', and post-release training and employment at the Hub.

“We are extremely grateful to the Goldsmiths’ Foundation for their generous grant that enables us to provide paid, purposeful activity to even more people in prison living in increasingly isolated and challenging conditions. Our skills-based, rehabilitative programme supports people to rebuild their futures by providing an invaluable connection to the wider community and to finish their sentences with work skills, money earned and saved, and the self-belief to establish meaningful, independent, crime-free lives.” – Victoria Gillie, Executive Director

Govanhill Baths Community Trust

The Govanhill Baths Community Trust aims to re-open Govanhill Baths – an Edwardian public bathhouse that was opened in 1914 to improve public health – as a wellbeing centre which will be run by the community, for the community and contribute to the wider social, cultural and built regeneration of Scotland's most ethnically diverse neighbourhood.

The Trust is already delivering a range of community-based wellbeing, social enterprise and arts projects that have grown out of the needs and aspirations of the local community. These include Rags to Riches, an award-winning upcycling social enterprise using waste to promote environmental sustainability, community engagement and education; an award winning civic art and heritage programme including the Govanhill International Festival and Carnival; The People’s Pantry, a membership-led shop providing access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food for more than 18,700 residents annually; and Govanhill Bath Ceramics, which offers courses and kiln hire to the local community at affordable rates.

The grant from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation will support the expansion of Govanhill Baths Ceramics through two Master Ceramicist Teaching Residencies that will provide expert training and mentoring in advanced ceramics techniques, and free access to vocational pottery training for 40 participants from underrepresented backgrounds. The project addresses the lack of accessible ceramics education in Glasgow, promotes diversity within the sector and provides clear career pathways for at least 150 ceramicists.

“We are incredibly excited and deeply honoured to receive the inaugural Goldsmiths’ Foundation Grant. Govanhill Baths Ceramics has been operating for nine years as an artist- and community-led practice, growing organically and becoming a vital space for creativity and connection. This award is a recognition of the role we have played in developing and supporting a new generation of ceramicists, while providing hundreds of local people with opportunities to explore clay-based skills and creative expression.” – Govanhill Baths Community Trust

Heritage Crafts

Heritage Crafts is the national charity for traditional heritage crafts and a UNESCO accredited NGO for Intangible Cultural Heritage. Working in partnership with Government and key agencies, they provide a focus for craftspeople, groups, societies and guilds, as well as individuals who care about the loss of traditional crafts skills, and work towards a healthy and sustainable framework for the future.

Funding from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation will will enable Heritage Crafts to develop three comprehensive film and training combinations across different endangered crafts. They will deliver a series of practical training courses, with eight participants per course, for each of the three documented crafts, utilising the films as key learning resources to enhance the hands-on experience. This will allow early-career makers from underrepresented backgrounds to develop their practice in endangered heritage crafts. The 18-month programme will provide tailored support including mentoring, skills training and heritage research. The funding will be used for programme design and coordination, mentor fees, documentation, and evaluation, with the aim of improving access, inclusion, and visibility within the heritage crafts sector.

“The support of the Goldsmiths’ Foundation is a huge boost to our efforts to safeguard the UK’s most endangered crafts. We are thrilled to be able to use this funding to create new skills transmission films to supplement hands-on training for three of the country's most at-risk crafts. This is a critical step in ensuring that our precious heritage of traditional craft knowledge is passed on to a new generation of craftspeople.” – Daniel Carpenter, Executive Director of Heritage Crafts

Hypha Studios

Hypha Studios is a charity that matches creative people with empty spaces, acting as a mediator between landowners and artists to break down traditional barriers for collaboration and culture. Through this they are helping regenerate high streets by creating cultural hubs and curating events for local communities in otherwise empty shops.

The grant from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation will support "The Drawing Shop”, a project based at a former retail premises in Hillsborough, Sheffield. The project – a collaboration between artist Johnsey and ArtWorks – aims to help 540 marginalised children aged 8-11 from Sheffield to engage with art and creativity over its first year.

"The grant from the Goldsmiths Foundation is life changing for the people we support and the communities we work with. When we heard the news, we could not believe it, and we are so grateful for the work of our artists to be recognised and to be able to reach communities in a more sustainable way for the year ahead." – Camilla Cole, CEO & Founder of Hypha Studios

"With the support of the Goldsmith’s Foundation, we are hugely excited to provide the means and opportunity for people of our community to feel safe, welcome, and valued in the creative and inclusive space of The Drawing Shop. This support will allow us to reach thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds, giving them the space to be creative, express themselves, and exhibit their work to the public without judgement" – Chris Johns, The Drawing Shop

Institute of International Visual Arts (invia)

Institute of International Visual Arts (iniva) is a UK-based arts organisation dedicated to advancing the work of artists from African, Asian, Caribbean, Polynesian, Latinx and diasporic backgrounds through exhibitions, residencies, education, the Stuart Hall Library, and its archive.

Funding from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation will support core organisational costs to help maintain iniva's inclusive programmes that use art as a tool for social justice, professional development, and cultural education, supporting underrepresented artists and communities while promoting sector diversity and long-term systemic change in the visual arts.

"We are extremely proud and grateful to receive this grant. Even in the short time since receiving it, we already feel supported, understood, and encouraged in our work. With the support of the Goldsmiths' Foundation, we are excited to confidently deliver our planned programme. iniva has a packed schedule ahead. We will be expanding our work in Westminster and continuing to bring art and education into communities that are often underrepresented. We also look forward to continuing to showcase the work of contemporary artists from diverse backgrounds. This grant allows us not only to deliver, but to do so with the assurance that we can make a meaningful and lasting impact.” Susannah Gorgeous, Finance and Operations Director (Co-Director), Institute of International Visual Arts

Intoart

Intoart is a pioneering visual arts organisation committed to equity, visibility and social justice, led by the creative ambition of learning disabled and autistic people as artists and designers.

Their studio in the heart of Peckham and has been embedded within the communities of South London since the year 2000. Intoart’s full-time studio programme spans art, design and craft and is an alternative art school committed to access to long-term creative practice. They curate award winning exhibitions and wide-ranging public commissions, publishing and design collaborations in the UK and internationally.

The grant from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation will provide core funding to support 12 months of vocational development for learning disabled artists. Enabling individuals facing multiple discrimination to develop technical and vocational skills that lead to sustainable creative careers.

"Intoart are delighted to receive an inaugural grant from the Goldsmiths' Foundation, an award that is aligned to our values of equity and ambition in creative practice. This marks a remarkable opportunity to invest in the practice of learning disabled and autistic people accessing new skills and production opportunities across a wide range of disciplines, and enhancing the careers of future artists, designers, and makers." –
Ella Ritchie MBE, Co-Founder Director, Intoart

The National Theatre Skills Centre

For decades, the National Theatre has been focused on turbo-charging creative skills and professional development. To address the growing skills shortage and to ensure equal representation within the sector they have launched a new National Theatre Skills Centre – offering more resources, training and professional development opportunities to boost specialist skills across all areas of theatre, with opportunities available nationwide from entry-level to mid-career.

Scenic Art Course with the National Theatre's Skill Centre 2025 © Andreia Leitao

Funding from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation will support new craft and design training at the National Theatre, reaching 35 young people from underrepresented backgrounds in backstage and production roles, with the aim of removing barriers to entry and diversification of the pipeline into off-stage theatre careers. The initiative will provide participants with free courses in areas including scenic art and costume making, and deliver a new Wigs, Hair, Makeup and Prosthetics Apprenticeship. The funding will contribute to trainee salaries, mentor fees, pastoral support, and the development of progression pathways into the creative industries.

“The National Theatre is the largest employer in the not-for-profit theatre sector, with the power to be a skills incubator for the entire creative industries. We are delighted to be receiving a grant from the Goldsmiths' Foundation, which will enable us to offer more opportunities for young people to learn and develop a wide range of skills. With the current industry-wide skills shortage, a grant like this can help us to reach those who face barriers to this type of training and support the next generation of creatives in building craft, design and technical skills." – Simon Stephens, Head of Skills Centre at the National Theatre

Open City

Open City is a charity working to make the built environment more open, accessible and equitable. The organisation delivers programmes including the award-winning Accelerate mentoring programme for young people traditionally excluded from architecture; the flagship Open House Festival, which opens up and celebrates London and its communities each September; and a year-round programme of events, award-winning podcasts, tours, and publications to democratise public knowledge about cities and the way we live in them.

The grant from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation will enable Open City to establish the Accelerate programme in Birmingham, supporting young people from traditionally excluded backgrounds to pursue careers in architecture. The programme will provide architectural skills development for 30 participants aged 16-18 and introduce architecture careers to 180 students across 5 schools, creating a sustainable youth architectural development community in the city. Through Accelerate, Open City aims to empower underrepresented youth in Birmingham by fostering a more diverse, inclusive built environment sector and supporting pathways into higher education, apprenticeships, and professional roles.

“Open City is delighted to have been awarded this grant as part of the Goldsmiths' Foundation Inaugural Grants Fund as recognition of the work we are doing to introduce young people from underrepresented backgrounds to careers in architecture and its related disciplines to create a more representative built environment. We are really excited to be included alongside other organisations that are working to create the infrastructure for a more equitable creative industry and look forward to learning from the experiences of others in the cohort.” – Zoe Dennington, Education Director, Open City

Peckham Platform

Peckham Platform is a cultural-community organisation that delivers creative skills training, visual arts exhibitions, outdoor cultural events, public realm commissions, and engagement programmes, with particular focus on their Youth Platform initiative for marginalised young people aged 12-26. Each year they work with more than 500 participants to create programmes that reach approximately 40,000 people.

Funding from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation will enable Peckham Platform to further develop its Youth Platform initiative as the charity prepares to open its new permanent venue in 2026. The initiative will engage 115 young people through 6 Creative Access Programmes, provide transformational skills development for 15 young people through the Peer Network, and provide open access workshops and programmes to a further 200 people. The funding will support artist commissions, facilitation, documentation, coordination and the delivery of a final exhibition, all contributing to deeper civic engagement and cultural participation.

"Peckham Platform is delighted to receive a grant from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation. This support strengthens our mission to connect art, people and place in Peckham, and to create opportunities that celebrate the creativity and voices of our community. This grant will act as an incredible opportunity to expand our Youth Platform initiative and continue the work that matters to us as a team at Peckham Platform. This grant will enable us to offer collaborative opportunities that we hope will empower, amplify, and create access into the arts for young people across Peckham. We are very much grateful to the Goldsmiths Foundation for awarding us this grant and for the ongoing support, thank you." – Beloved Adonai, Interim Director of Peckham Platform

The Creative Dimension Trust

The Creative Dimension Trust (TCDT) offers fully funded workshops and work experience placements to talented young people from less advantaged background who have the potential to forge careers where precise hand-eye co-ordination and the ability to construct 3-dimensional shapes are required. TCDT aims to give participants aged 14-20 in craft disciplines the same kind of opportunities that are available in sport, drama and music.

The Creative Dimension Trust will use the grant from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation to support the delivery of intensive, craft-based workshops for young Londoners from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. These workshops will focus on precision-based skills such as woodwork, leatherwork, and decorative finishes, delivered by highly skilled tutors in specialist settings. The programme aims to improve confidence, aspiration, and access to career pathways for participants with strong manual dexterity but limited access to enrichment opportunities. The funding will support tutor fees, materials, workshop delivery costs, and the coordination of progression pathways, including mentoring and work experience placements.

“We are profoundly honoured to be among the inaugural recipients of a £50,000 grant from the newly reorganised Goldsmiths’ Foundation. With its renewed dedication to advancing creative, technical, and vocational skills—in jewellery, silversmithing, and the wider creative industries—this support arrives at a pivotal moment for The Creative Dimension Trust during its 10th Anniversary Year.” – Penny Bendall, Founder and CEO of The Creative Dimension Trust

The Scottish Crannog Centre

The Scottish Crannog Centre gives visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in Iron Age village life on the shores of Loch Tay in Perthshire, with more than 30,000 people stepping 2,500 years into the past during the last year.

Delivery of impactful and inclusive educational experiences, training and skills development in traditional crafts and creating lasting social impact are at the heart of the organisation, which operates as an SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) centre delivering apprenticeship programmes for young people with barriers to employment, and is focused on creating training opportunities for young people in Scotland's most deprived area for access.

The grant from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation will support the Scottish Crannog Centre’s core staffing costs which are essential to maintaining its apprenticeship programmes and its development as a national centre of excellence for traditional vernacular skills.

“We've had a few bumps in the road to say the least, and it was just unbelievable when we got the news - having somebody like the Goldsmiths’ Foundation believing in us put the wind back into our sails- thank you so much. This will mean we can move forward with our ambitions to become a national centre of excellence in traditional craft and engagement- no doubt we will have more bumps in the road, but this support is a gamechanger.” – Mike Benson, Chief Executive of The Scottish Crannog Centre

The Goldsmiths’ Foundation focuses on advancing creative, technical, and vocational skills, education and training in the craft and trade of goldsmithing, silversmithing and jewellery – as well as the wider creative industries – through grants (c£3.5m a year), advocacy, and support to charity partners.

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