Our COMPASS Journey: Successes and Learnings from 5 Emerging Maker Cohorts

27 Jan 2025

Photography by Neil Hanna

At Craft Scotland, we are committed to supporting the sustainability of craft careers and the Scottish craft sector. That’s why we developed COMPASS, our learning and development programme designed to provide tailored support for makers, curators and craft professionals at all stages of their careers.

One of its flagship strands, COMPASS: Emerging Maker Programme, has now welcomed 36 makers as five cohorts since launching in 2018. Designed to equip makers with the skills needed to build a sustainable craft practice, the programme takes a holistic approach - combining business development, mentorship, and self-reflection to help participants thrive.

We commissioned CG Research in 2023/24 to design and facilitate a long-term evaluation of the programme. We reviewed the past five cohorts and their experiences during the programme and continued impacts on their creative and business practice. We are delighted to evidence the positive impacts outlined within the Impact Report, it particularly highlights that many participants developed skills to navigate business challenges and build resilience through the programmes. Key findings include:

100% of participants reported that COMPASS had a positive impact on their work.

70% cited peer connections as a key benefit, reinforcing the long-term benefits of a supportive network.

Read our Impact Report 2025: Key Findings to explore the programme’s successes and hear from those involved.   

Collaboration has been at the heart of COMPASS’ success. Our partnerships with key funders William Grant Foundation and Creative Scotland, key contributor Business Psychologist Elaine Furnivall (Aviour Consulting), and partners Hospitalfield and Cockpit have allowed us to provide invaluable mentoring, learning sessions, and residential retreats - creating a nurturing environment for emerging makers to define their personal ambitions and set a path forward.

Project Lead between 2019 – 24, Jo Scott in her then role as Head of Programmes at Craft Scotland, reflects:

“Without the support of our partners, we wouldn’t have been able to achieve this level of impact. Their investment—both financial and in the craft sector itself—has been crucial.”

A COMPASS participant noted:

“At the point that I was at it was the perfect thing that I needed to give me the confidence and the tools to move on to the next stage. I think it’s been massive. I will always be grateful for the support. I’ve recommended it to other people, and I’ll continue to recommend it. I hope Craft Scotland can continue to run it.”

As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue evolving COMPASS to meet the needs of makers, craft curators and professionals across Scotland through tailored projects and developing free and open access online resources through COMPASS: Online.

Interested in being part of the next maker cohort for COMPASS: Emerging Maker Programme 2025. Applications are now open, closing on 5pm, Tues 4 Feb 2025. Contact the Craft Scotland team if you have any queries: hello@craftscotland.org.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of our COMPASS journey so far!