Heritage Crafts – Northern Ireland Maker of the Year Award

19 March 2026

Heritage Crafts are thrilled to announce that nominations are now OPEN for the Northern Ireland Maker of the Year Award 2026.

This Heritage Crafts Award is to recognise a heritage craftsperson in Northern Ireland who has made an outstanding contribution to their specific craft within the previous 12 months (since 2 March 2025). This award will recognise a contribution that is far beyond the ordinary, either in pushing their craft to new levels, contributing to its promotion or continuation in an exceptional way. We expect this to be someone who demonstrates the highest level of craft skill and is held in high regard amongst their peers, but it need not be the most glamorous or high-end craft; we promote the simple, humble crafts too.

As well as the Northern Ireland prize, one winner will be selected from the four UK nations’ winners to have their prize topped up to £2,000 with support from the Marsh Charitable Trust.

The winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize and will be celebrated at a high-profile Winners’ Reception in November 2026.

Click here for more information on how to nominate someone (or yourself).