Theo Moorman Trust for Weavers - Grants 2016/17

The following, written by trustee Jacy Wall, appeared as an introduction to the summary reports published in the Autumn 2017 edition of the Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers.

We are very pleased now to publish short reports from our eight talented recipients of the biennial Theo Moorman Trust Bursaries. We had a healthy number of applications to consider for the 2016/17 awards, and the diversity of practice represented shows that hand weaving, whether low-tech and hands on, or supported by technology, is very much alive and well.

The Trustees felt that a summary of observations made whilst assessing applications might be helpful for those thinking of coming to us in the future. The criteria for grants from the Trust are clearly stated on our website, but applying these fairly to real life applications is a big responsibility, and requires care and flexibility. There are always more good applications than we can afford to fund, but in our initial shortlisting process we try to include all kinds and levels of practice, and makers at different points in their careers, something that we hope is relected in the final awards.

We look at the quality of the images sent first. This is not simply about a good technical image, but also about how well the work overall is conveyed. A detail showing the quality and construction of the woven work is as important as showing the whole piece. Also, whilst images of past work are sometimes helpful in setting the context for current work, we need to see recent work that demonstrates a current commitment to weaving, and a clear sense of direction. We look for a strong sense of what an applicant's current work is about, and how it relates to the proposed project.

We received several applications from weavers who have only just completed post graduate studies. We do say in the guidelines that applicants should have at least two and a half years experience working on their own after higher education. Whilst we are keen to support young weavers, we are not offering set-up grants.

We often support very practical needs, such as extra study, studio time and costs, and/or equipment in order to allow a good weaver to continue and develop their work. Equally we like risk takers, wanting to try something new and exciting, provided they have thought through what, how and why, and costed sensibly.

So congratulations again to our 2016 bursary weavers.