Our Starter Studio for Silversmiths & Jewellers is designed to kick-start creative careers and is delivered from a fully equipped silversmith workshop at Persistence Works.

First established in 2002, it's supported more than 30 early-career designer makers. We asked silversmith & jeweller Maya Selway to share how it helped to further develop her career.

I can’t believe it’s been 7 years since I left Yorkshire Artspace! Once the 2 year programme had finished I left Sheffield to move back to my home city of London, where, thanks in no small part to everything I learned on the Starter Studio Programme, my business has grown steadily year on year.

I travel all around the UK and internationally to show my work. It’s been really busy, especially juggling work with 2 small children! Along the way I’ve won some great awards including a European Design Award at Inhorgenta, and recently licensed some of my designs to MoMA in New York who now distribute them worldwide.

I would really recommend Yorkshire Artspace to anyone looking for a great foundation to their business and career. I learned so much there, met loads of people and made some great networks that have been so useful to me since. I’d be very happy to talk to anyone considering applying to their Starter Studio Programme – please do drop me an email.