Culture And Memory

Tradition in Transition: Youth Journeys Through Heritage Craft

As Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) marks 35 years of championing master craftspeople and the intangible heritage craft skills they foster, Tradition in Transition: Youth Journeys Through Heritage Craft looks ahead; bridging gaps in access, knowledge, and careers for underrepresented young people aged 16–25. Focused on four endangered crafts - silver and pewter metalworking, shoemaking, and passementerie and horsehair weaving, this two-year programme delivers regional CraftLab workshops, public showcases, Craft Career Kickstarter grants and mentorship, and a youth-led digital Craft Traditions Library. Co-created with museums, master craftspeople, and youth groups in Sheffield, Blackburn and Sleaford, the project builds inclusive pathways into heritage careers and strengthens sector resilience. Our aims: ?Expand inclusive access to heritage craft skills, training, and career opportunities for underrepresented youth. ?Build youth leadership through mentoring, co-creation, and intergenerational exchange. ?Strengthen the visibility and sustainability of heritage crafts through digital legacy and regional collaboration.