Modern Makers

Modern Makers is a programme for a small group of young people (under 30 years) from Dumfries and Galloway to work intensively with a professional maker to learn craft skills and gain insight into running a creative business. The programme originated from Modern Heritage Craft 2013 - 2015. 

Subject to successful funding, the programme is run yearly, with a different craft focus each time. You can find out about the programme in general here and link to more information on past programmes. 

The call out for participants usually takes place between October - November each year. When applications are open you can find details on our opportunities page.

Modern Heritage Craft Final Film from Spring Fling on Vimeo.

This programme aims to address issues around youth career progression and clear pathways in a rural area; supports a rural contemporary craft sector giving young people the opportunity to try making and experience first hand a rural micro-business; raises discussion around the possibility of creative apprenticeships in artists and makers studios; creates a programme and a space for young people to debate, network and think critically about making; and values the skills of professional makers by paying them to share skills.                  

Examples of past programmes:

Modern Makers 2016

During 2016 six young people worked with Sam Booth in his workshop near Castle Douglas.  With over 30 years experience in interior, product and building design Sam has realised his ambition to develop beautiful, sustainable, small buildings through establishing Echo Living. For the first time the group worked collaboratively to design and build a structure which is to be sited at the Crook of Baldoon, an RSPB reserve near Wigtown.

Modern Makers 2016 was supported by The Holywood Trust and CashBack for Communities through Creative Scotland's CashBack for Creativity Programme.

Modern Makers 2016 (clip) from Upland on Vimeo.

For more info on Modern Makers 2016.

Modern Makers 2017 (February - August)

The professional makers for the 2017 project were slipware potters Douglas Fitch and Hannah McAndrew  - http://www.fitchandmcandrew.co.uk/

Students of the Modern Makers 2017 programme were introduced to all aspects of the slipware process, from the mixing of materials, the making and decorating of the pots, through to assisting in the exciting firing of the pieces in the wood kiln. They also gained an insight into the running of a pottery business, along with visits to other potter’s workshops to explore different approaches to the craft and a visit to a pottery fair. 

Modern Makers 2017 is supported by Creative Scotland, The Holywood Trust, LEADER and the William Grant Foundation.

Read more about the 2017 project here.

Find out about Modern Makers 2018, 2019 and 2020.