“We need to encourage our museums and galleries to invest in contemporary craft and design. Our Art Fund Collect scheme - a long-running collaboration with the Crafts Council - has helped considerably by giving almost £350,000 to 27 museums since 2008 and we are delighted to be building on this legacy once more in 2013.”

“Art Fund Collect has been an invaluable scheme in enriching many public craft collections across the UK. These objects have had a significant impact on their respective collections and the scheme has paved the way for more ambitious acquisition of contemporary craft.”

“British craft makers combine excellent knowledge of their material with a high level of technical skill, creativity and innovation. It is authentic, unique, highly collectible and respected worldwide. We are looking forward to taking a mission to Design Days Dubai in order to help realise the full export and investment potential of British craft.”

“Hothouse has proved a very successful scheme since its launch two years ago. Hothouse alumni have already had significant career successes including showcasing work at London Design Festival in 2011 and the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in 2012. We are confident that all those selected for Hothouse 3 will continue the high standard set by their predecessors.”

“Selecting the participants was challenging and thought-provoking. They were all of a very high standard and decisions did not come easily. However we now have a group that encompasses traditional and innovative techniques along with exciting making and business ideas. Our job now is to support them on the next part of their journey.”

“I was very impressed with the commitment and quality of work of the makers and Smiths Row is very much looking forward to working with such a vibrant and talented group.”

“I was delighted for Bluecoat Display Centre to be involved in the partnership with the Crafts Council, Liverpool Hope University, Yorkshire Art Space - all organisations that I admire. The education and professional development of emerging artists is something we keenly believe in. As an independent registered charity, that exhibits and sells the highest standard of contemporary craft, one of our aims is to assist makers in realising their full potential and in establishing sustainable business models for the future.

“As a partner for Hothouse 3, benchpeg is delighted to be assisting in the support of emerging businesses, which aligns perfectly with benchpeg's ethos. The quality of the shortlisted candidates was outstanding and we made some difficult decisions in selecting those who the panel thought would benefit long term from Hothouse. We are absolutely delighted with the cohort we have chosen, we believe that between them they have diverse and interesting strengths and talents that will help them pull together as a group and make the most of this unique opportunity.”