Applications Open for the Building Arts Programme 2025

Launched in February 2020 the Building Arts Programme is delivered through a collaboration between The King’s Foundation and QEST. It aims to inspire a future generation of artists, craftspeople, designers and makers to create a built environment which draws on a vast array of different skills, materials and processes. Through practice-based learning, the Building Arts Programme looks to explore the physical, temporal and even symbolic connections which can be conveyed through our buildings and places.

Over a period of around 6-months students from a broad range of discipline areas will learn together, exploring both the interdisciplinary nature of architecture, the decorative arts and traditional craft, and the role that these practices can continue to play in shaping the world around us.

The King’s Foundation and QEST welcome applications from individuals working across a broad range of craft disciplines. Applications are required to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in their discipline with at least 3 years’ experience of practice post training/education.

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN – Interiors, Structures, Engineering, Landscape Design, Planning
BUILDING CRAFTS – Carpentry, Joinery, Stonemasonry, Plasterwork, Metalwork, Brickwork, Natural Building
DECORATIVE AND APPLIED ARTS – Glasswork, Ceramics, Painting, Print, Illustration, Sculpture, Textiles

(Please note this list is not exhaustive)

Key Dates & Further Information

The Building Arts Programme runs from March to October 2025, and includes interdisciplinary workshops, industry placements and culminates with a final project. The programme takes places across The Dumfries House Estate in East Ayrshire, Scotland, the Highgrove Estate in Gloucestershire, England, as well as placements with master craftspeople across the UK.