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  • Virtual Office
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    • Events & Workshops Find out more about our upcoming events
    • Resources for Creatives Useful resources for helping you grow your creative business
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    • The Blick Story
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Creative Roundup

Published: May 27, 2024

Our latest roundup of funding, support, opportunities, events, exhibitions and festivals for NI creatives.


  • Sailortown Festival Smartphone Photography Exhibition

Closing date: 1st June

  • Design Academy Adapt

The Design Academy is developed in collaboration between VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub and Zalando with the aim to use the power of community to foster positive, long-lasting transformations within the fashion industry. This third edition of the Design Academy will focus on developing creative and fashionable solutions for the disabled community.

The educational program consists of sixteen weeks of remote and in-person training split into two phases: during the first eight weeks, 100 selected talents will delve into themes such as sustainability, branding and business modeling with emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility.

In the second phase, the 10 most outstanding designers will be awarded with a scholarship for an eight-week design sprint with two weeks in-person residency in Berlin, where they will be mentored by industry experts in adaptive fashion design, sustainable design systems and digital technologies with emphasis on 3D design and manufacturing.

The journey will culminate at the Berlin Fashion Week 2025, where the finalists will have the opportunity to present their creations in a showcase exhibition.

Deadline: 10th June 2024

 

  • Ambition to Grow Programme

Designed specifically to help micro, small and medium-sized local enterprises, Ambition to Grow supports businesses to create good jobs, innovate their processes and sell their products or services outside Northern Ireland.

Successful applicants can receive up to £45,000, broken down as follows:

Up to £30,000 towards creating new employment.

Up to £10,000 towards market, product or skills development.

Up to £5,000 upon completion of an Export Health Check, Export Marketing Plan and Innovate NI Self-Assessment.

 

  • Design Competition Ukraine

In the aftermath of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the city of Kharkiv is facing the daunting task of rebuilding its urban fabric. Now, an international architecture competition is offering a glimmer of hope for the city’s recovery.

 

  • Student Invent

Student Invent is an annual pitching competition sponsored by Ulster University and SU Enterprise at Queen’s Student Union, with headline partner Bank of Ireland where ambitious students pitch to win a cash prize and accelerate the development of their innovative idea.

As a part of Catalyst’s INVENT competition students will have the opportunity to be showcased to the world on an international platform at the INVENT 2024 awards. Student’s have the opportunity to win a share of the £2,500 prize pot.

 

  • Artist Residency Frac Grand Large/ Hauts-de-France Dunkirk

NI visual artists invited to apply for artist residency in Frac Grand Large/ Hauts-de-France Dunkirk, as part of Magnetic 3

Deadline: 15th July

  • Northern Ireland Screen New Writer Focus

Northern Ireland Screen is now seeking feature film scripts to develop for its New Writer Focus scheme 2024-2025.
The scheme is only open to Northern Ireland resident writers new to feature film. They are not taking applications for TV drama or comedy, this is for feature film scripts only.

Deadline: Midnight, Sunday 23rd June 2024.

 

  • Northern Ireland Screen Short Film Call

Northern Ireland Screen has been awarded Lottery Funds through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and BFI NETWORK to support the production of Short Film at both Individual and Company level.

Funding is available at individual and production company level to produce live action, factual and virtual reality short films normally up to 15 minutes in length.

The call for company applications closes on Friday 7th June 2024

The call for individual applications closes on Friday 19th July 2024

Funding Levels

Individuals can apply for a funding award of £6,000.
Companies can apply for a funding award of either £12,500, £17,500 or £22,500.

  • Applications Open: August Craft Month 2024

August Craft Month is a unique celebration of craft across the island of Ireland, offering exciting opportunities for the public to experience, participate in, purchase, and learn about craft. Supported and promoted by Craft NI and Design & Crafts Council Ireland, August Craft Month is a collaborative effort to showcase the best of craftsmanship found across the island.

The deadline for entry is Friday June 14th

 

  • Craft NI Gallery Maker Call Out 2024

Craft NI is the sector lead body for Craft in Northern Ireland. Our Gallery is located on Royal Avenue in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and showcases a wide range of quality craft and applied art by local designer-makers.

Deadline: June 5, 2024

 

  • Áras Éanna Residency

The RHA School in partnership with Áras Éanna are delighted to offer a residency on Inis Oírr for the month of July.

Applications are welcomed from artists to come and live and work on Inis Oírr and with up to ten residencies provided each year. Each residency includes an on-site private apartment and a self-contained studio, and access to the centre’s galleries and theatre. The successful applicant will receive a €1000 stipend funded by Ealaín na Gaeltachta.

Deadline: June 9, 2024

 

  • Digital Arts Studios STARTS4WATERII Residencies – Open call for artists

Are you an artist and passionate about sustainability? Apply now for one of our residencies and collaborate with experts to tackle water challenges through art and technology.

Deadline: June 26, 2024.

Budget: 40.000€ per residency.

 

  • 143rd RUA Annual Exhibition

The RUA Annual Exhibition is open for applications. The exhibition provides a unique platform for acclaimed artists and emerging talent to showcase their artwork. The 143rd Annual Exhibition will run at the Ulster Museum, Belfast from 18th October 2024 to 6th January 2025.

The Royal Ulster Academy welcomes submissions from emerging and established artists across the disciplines of the visual arts. Initial Submissions should be made online.

Deadline: July 13, 2024

 

  • Belfast Potters market Applications Open

The summer Belfast Potter’s Market will take place on Saturday 10th August at 10am – 5pm in 2 Royal Avenue.Up to 40 Of Ireland’s top potters and sculptors will be gathered together to exhibit and of course sell their beautiful pottery!

Deadline: 10th June at 11.59pm.

 

  • The National Lottery Support for Individual Artists Programme – Travel Awards

These awards enable individual artists and established music groups (up to 2 members) to travel from Northern Ireland to develop their skills and expertise.

Deadline: Rolling programme


  • Northern Ireland Screen Writing for Readers – Screenwriting with Steve Brooks via Zoom

To help writers prepare their application for the New Writer Focus Fund, Northern Ireland Screen will run an on-line screenwriting seminar.

Mr Brookes is a freelance script consultant whose career has focused on working on British independent feature films. He worked for the British Film Institute for many years and has had a long association with Northern Ireland Screen.

Date: Wednesday 29th May

Time: 12pm- 2pm

RSVP:  Chloe@ northernirelandscreen.co.uk

 

  • Goal Planning with Groove: Get The Damn Thing Done! with Taylor Harrington and Groove

Make something happen THIS MONTH If you’re a creative doer who would like accountability from great humans to do the damn thing, this goal planning party with Groove is for you!
Date: May 30, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM EDT
Location: Online

 

  • Social Media Safety for Creatives and Professionals with Jerrod Lew

You’ll leave this FieldTrip with some new considerations to help you start building a safer experience on social media.
Date: Jun 3, 2024
Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM EDT
Location: Online

  • Blick Academy Creative Talk: Saul Duffin Founder of YEO Magazine

Saul Duffin founder of YEO magazine will share his story.

Date: Wed 5th June

Time: 7pm

Location: Blick Studios, 46 Hill St

 

  • Digital Horizon Masterclass: “Integrating Captioning into Creative Work” with Porcelain Delaney 

An introduction to creative captions and how to create them. As well as being an accessibility tool, captioning can also serve as an artistic tool to enhance the world you are creating within your performance or artistic practice. You will learn how to use free software such as PowerPoint and Canva with great impact.

Date: 6 June 2024

Time: 10.30am – 4.30pm

Location: Ledger Studio, University of Atypical, 109-113 Royal Avenue, Belfast BT1 1FF

 

  • The Circle: Let’s Talk About Imposter Syndrome

Don’t miss Catalyst’s latest “The Circle” session. This free session, led by expert facilitator Sandra Lee, will dive into Imposter Syndrome, its origins, and strategies for overcoming it. Connect with others who share similar experiences and expand your professional network.

Date: Wednesday 12th June

Time: 6 – 8pm

Location: Oh Yeah Centre

 

  • The Power of Podcasting

Date: Thursday 13th June
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Location: Innovation Factory Forthriver Business Park, 385 Springfield Road, Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom

 

  • Digital Horizon Masterclass: “Build your own Online Platform” with Simon Jay 

Set up your own creative online platform and learn how to monetise it! The Masterclass will boost your confidence in creating a prominent creative profile online. This Masterclass will present a safe space for you to explore this experience and how to tackle this new challenge. Before you know it, you will be creating content for your platform like a pro.

Date: 13 June 2024

Time: 10.30am – 4.30pm

Location: Ledger Studio, University of Atypical, 109-113 Royal Avenue, Belfast BT1 1FF

 

  • Womenfolk JUNIOR.SENIOR

Talks for creative women

Date: Sat 15th June

Time: 11.30am

Location: Blick Studios, 46 Hill Street

 

  • An evening with Brendan Mooney MBE

The event will also be an opportunity to find out more about the Executive MBA at Ulster University; your gateway to becoming a high-performing leader.

Date: Wednesday, 19 June

Venue: Ulster University, York Street, Belfast

Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm


  • Usfolk 6

Dates: 23rd May to 2nd June

Location: The Naughton Gallery

 

  • “Inquiry” – Chad Alexander 

This exhibition is an ongoing body of work by Chad Alexander. The series was created in Belfast and centres on people, predominantly men, and urban spaces the artist knows personally or has encountered by chance.

Dates: 2nd May to 29th June

 

  • mother tongue 

This group exhibition features sculpture, installation, painting, photography, audio and film made in the past six years that represents some of the most exciting contemporary practices in Northern Ireland today

Dates: 26th April – 21st July

Location: The MAC

 

  • Belfast School of Art 175 Degree Shows

Dates: 7th June The 175 Degree Show Opening Night

8th – 22nd June The 175 Degree Show


  • Belfast Book Festival 2024 

Dates: 6 to 13 June

 

  • Eastside Arts Festival 2024 

Dates: 25 July to 4 Aug

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- - SHARED CREATIVE WORKSPACE AVAILABLE - -

We have dedicated deskspaces available in our beautiful Hill St studios
– £165 per calendar month
– All inclusive prices (rent, rates, utilities, broadband) no VAT
– Minimum 3 months contract then on a rolling monthly contract
– 1 months rent required as a deposit
– Cathedral Quarter location

Email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing or visit our website for more info (link below and in profile )
https://blickstudios.org/locations/hill-street-belfast/

Feb 17

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17858866071608352
- - SHARED CREATIVE WORKSPACE AVAILABLE - -

We have dedicated deskspaces available in our beautiful Hill St studios
– £165 per calendar month
– All inclusive prices (rent, rates, utilities, broadband) no VAT
– Minimum 3 months contract then on a rolling monthly contract
– 1 months rent required as a deposit
– Cathedral Quarter location 

Email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing or visit our website for more info (link below and in profile )
 https://blickstudios.org/locations/hill-street-belfast/

- - BLICK CREATIVE RESOURCES - NESTA CREATIVE ENTERPRISE TOOLKIT - -

A great weekend exercise for anyone with an idea for a creative business!

The idea for Blick came during a NESTA https://www.nesta.org.uk/ creative enterprise program in Belfast School of Art in 2006.

We used this toolkit back then and it`s still a great free resource to help you plan, build, test, communicate and launch your new creative business.

You can find this downloadable PDF on the resources section of our website. Link below and in profile

https://blickstudios.org/resources/nesta-creative-enterprise-toolkit/

Feb 13

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18039710012741760
- - BLICK CREATIVE RESOURCES - NESTA CREATIVE ENTERPRISE TOOLKIT - -

A great weekend exercise for anyone with an idea for a creative business!

The idea for Blick came during a NESTA https://www.nesta.org.uk/ creative enterprise program in Belfast School of Art in 2006.

We used this toolkit back then and it's still a great free resource to help you plan, build, test, communicate and launch your new creative business.

You can find this downloadable PDF on the resources section of our website. Link below and in profile 

https://blickstudios.org/resources/nesta-creative-enterprise-toolkit/

Our latest roundup of opportunities for NI creatives

01. Techstart Regional Innovation Challenge

Deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 17th February 2026

02. Belfast Buildings Trust Creative Belfast internships

Deadline: 20th February 2026

03. Arc’teryx x Ori Women’s Creative Grant
Deadline: 14th February 2026

04. Jerwood Foundation 2026 Funding

Deadline: 2pm, 18th March 2026

05. Atypical Generation Fund

Deadline: 10th March 2026

06.Bank of Ideas Funding

Deadline: 5pm, 23rd March 2026

07. Dragons’ Den: Social Enterprise Edition

Deadline: 5pm, 16th February 2026

08. QEST Grants for Makers and Conservators

Closing date: 18th February

09. Belfast Photo Festival Call for Submissions

Deadline: 2nd March 2026

10. Call to Enter Cinemagic’s ‘On The Pulse’ 2026 competition For Young Filmmakers

Deadline: 20th February 2026

Full details including links on our website (link below and in profile

https://blickstudios.org/blog/13483/

Feb 12

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17844448131677905
Our latest roundup of opportunities for NI creatives

01. Techstart Regional Innovation Challenge

Deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 17th February 2026

02. Belfast Buildings Trust Creative Belfast internships

Deadline: 20th February 2026

03. Arc’teryx x Ori Women’s Creative Grant
Deadline: 14th February 2026

04. Jerwood Foundation 2026 Funding

Deadline: 2pm, 18th March 2026

05. Atypical Generation Fund

Deadline: 10th March 2026

06.Bank of Ideas Funding

Deadline: 5pm, 23rd March 2026

07. Dragons’ Den: Social Enterprise Edition

Deadline: 5pm, 16th February 2026

08. QEST Grants for Makers and Conservators

Closing date: 18th February

09. Belfast Photo Festival Call for Submissions

Deadline: 2nd March 2026

10. Call to Enter Cinemagic’s ‘On The Pulse’ 2026 competition For Young Filmmakers

Deadline: 20th February 2026

Full details including links on our website (link below and in profile

https://blickstudios.org/blog/13483/

What`s coming up at Blick over the next couple of months!

Intermediate Poetry Workshop
Event Date(s): February 3rd
Event Time: 6.30 - 8.00pm 
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 65 Great Northern Street, Belfast, BT9 7FL
Cost: £40

Womenfolk Peer Mentoring
Event Date(s): February 24th
Event Time: 7.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free

Belfast Writers Group – Creative Writing Workshop
Event Date(s): February 28th
Event Time: 12.00 - 4.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: £12
Arts Council of Northern Ireland Personalised Financial Advice Sessions Derry/Londonderry
Event Date(s): March 5th & 6th 
Event Time: Various
Location: Online
Cost: Free

Pop Culture Poetics
Event Date(s): March 8th
Event Time: 5 - 7pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 65 Great Northern Street, Belfast, BT9 7FL
Cost: £40

Visit the events page of our website for more info link in profile and below

https://blickstudios.org/events/

Feb 11

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17984378345952131
What's coming up at Blick over the next couple of months!

Intermediate Poetry Workshop
Event Date(s): February 3rd
Event Time: 6.30 - 8.00pm 
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 65 Great Northern Street, Belfast, BT9 7FL
Cost: £40

Womenfolk Peer Mentoring
Event Date(s): February 24th
Event Time: 7.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free

Belfast Writers Group – Creative Writing Workshop
Event Date(s): February 28th
Event Time: 12.00 - 4.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: £12
Arts Council of Northern Ireland Personalised Financial Advice Sessions Derry/Londonderry
Event Date(s): March 5th & 6th 
Event Time: Various
Location: Online
Cost: Free

Pop Culture Poetics
Event Date(s): March 8th
Event Time: 5 - 7pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 65 Great Northern Street, Belfast, BT9 7FL
Cost: £40

Visit the events page of our website for more info link in profile and below 

https://blickstudios.org/events/

- - THE BLICK STORY PART 2 - 2012 - 2020 - -�

Part 2 of our story at Blick taking us from 2012 - 2020 which seems so long ago now!

This period was probably our busiest, looking back I have no idea how we did it all!

We expanded to the Cathedral Quarter, initially sharing premises with our friends at Flow Yoga, then moving next door to 46 Hill Street and Cotton Court. We also started and managed a creative hub in Derry/Londonderry for 3 years from 2014 for the executive office. We co-founded Belfast Design Week, Womenfolk and Small Town Big Dreams podcast as well as running lots of different events and projects at Blick before everything came to a crahing halt with the pandemic in 2020 which saw us closing our studios for a period and moving Belfast Design Week onto the
streets.

�You can read our full story on our website: �https://blickstudios.org/the-team/the-blick-story/

Feb 10

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18071641700451472
- - THE BLICK STORY PART 2 - 2012 - 2020 - -�

Part 2 of our story at Blick taking us from 2012 - 2020 which seems so long ago now!

This period was probably our busiest, looking back I have no idea how we did it all!

We expanded to the Cathedral Quarter, initially sharing premises with our friends at Flow Yoga, then moving next door to 46 Hill Street and Cotton Court. We also started and managed a creative hub in Derry/Londonderry for 3 years from 2014 for the executive office. We co-founded Belfast Design Week, Womenfolk and Small Town Big Dreams podcast as well as running lots of different events and projects at Blick before everything came to a crahing halt with the pandemic in 2020 which saw us closing our studios for a period and moving Belfast Design Week onto the
streets.

�You can read our full story on our website: �https://blickstudios.org/the-team/the-blick-story/

- - BLICK BUSINESS ADDRESS SERVICE - -

As well as offering physical workspace we also offer virtual office space for creative businesses. You can use our Hill St address for your creative business giving your business a professional public image and keeping your home address private.

We offer 2 different services

Monthly Business Address Service £22.50 (Monthly) £200 (Annually)

At the start of each month we will redirect up to 15 items of regular and standard large letter-sized business mail to the address of your choice. Post beyond the 15 letters will be charged at the price of postage, and the cost will be added to your following bill.

Weekly Business Address Service £30 (Monthly) £300 (Annually)

We will redirect business mail to the address of your choice weekly. Up to 25 items of regular and standard large letter-sized mail per calendar month. Post beyond the 25 letters will be charged at the price of postage, and the cost will be added to your following bill.

For more info email rosy@blickstudios.org or visit our website: https://blickstudios.org/virtual-services/

Feb 6

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18106000954748321
- - BLICK BUSINESS ADDRESS SERVICE - -

As well as offering physical workspace we also offer virtual office space for creative businesses. You can use our Hill St address for your creative business giving your business a professional public image and keeping your home address private. 

We offer 2 different services

Monthly Business Address Service £22.50 (Monthly) £200 (Annually)

At the start of each month we will redirect up to 15 items of regular and standard large letter-sized business mail to the address of your choice. Post beyond the 15 letters will be charged at the price of postage, and the cost will be added to your following bill.

Weekly Business Address Service £30 (Monthly) £300 (Annually)

We will redirect business mail to the address of your choice weekly. Up to 25 items of regular and standard large letter-sized mail per calendar month. Post beyond the 25 letters will be charged at the price of postage, and the cost will be added to your following bill.

For more info email rosy@blickstudios.org or visit our website: https://blickstudios.org/virtual-services/

- - Belfast Stories – Belfast School of Art Year 2 Graphic Design Students X Belfast Design Week Collab Project Site Visit - -

As part of our work for @belfastdesignwk which is happening this May we have been working with @bsoa_graphicdesign Year 2 students on a project that will be showcased in the @belfast_stories building during Belfast Design Week

On Monday this week we visited the Belfast Stories building with the students so they could see the space and plan their designs.

Looking forward to sharing more on the project and the final outputs during Belfast Design Week!

Feb 4

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18034900130771471
- - Belfast Stories – Belfast School of Art Year 2 Graphic Design Students X Belfast Design Week Collab Project Site Visit - -

As part of our work for @belfastdesignwk which is happening this May we have been working with @bsoa_graphicdesign Year 2 students on a project that will be showcased in the @belfast_stories building during Belfast Design Week 

On Monday this week we visited the Belfast Stories building with the students so they could see the space and plan their designs.

Looking forward to sharing more on the project and the final outputs during Belfast Design Week!

- - AVAILABLE WORKSPACE - 1 DESK COTTON COURT CATHEDRAL QUARTER - -

We have one dedicated deskspace available in our Cotton Court shared creative coworking space:

– £130 per dedicated desk per calendar month all inclusive utilities, rates, broadand etc (No VAT)

– 7am – 10.30pm access

– Industrial style building full of creative organisations in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter

– Safe, well-lit Cathedral Quarter location opposite the Merchant hotel

– Minimum 3 months contract then on a rolling monthly contract

– 1 months rent required as a deposit

Email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing or visit our website (link below and in profile)
https://blickstudios.org/locations/cotton-court-belfast/

Feb 3

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18016512302644470
- - AVAILABLE WORKSPACE - 1 DESK COTTON COURT CATHEDRAL QUARTER - - 

We have one dedicated deskspace available in our Cotton Court shared creative coworking space:

– £130 per dedicated desk per calendar month all inclusive utilities, rates, broadand etc (No VAT)

– 7am – 10.30pm access

– Industrial style building full of creative organisations in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter

– Safe, well-lit Cathedral Quarter location opposite the Merchant hotel

– Minimum 3 months contract then on a rolling monthly contract

– 1 months rent required as a deposit

Email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing or visit our website (link below and in profile)
 https://blickstudios.org/locations/cotton-court-belfast/

@laurenkelsoillustrator shared her creative story with us back in May last year. Here are 6 Key Lessons from her creative talk to give you some Monday Motivation!

You can read the full writeup on the blog on our website:

https://blickstudios.org/blog/6-key-lessons-from-illustrator-lauren-kelsos-creative-talk/

Feb 2

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17999847908712291
@laurenkelsoillustrator shared her creative story with us back in May last year. Here are 6 Key Lessons from her creative talk to give you some Monday Motivation!

You can read the full writeup on the blog on our website: 

https://blickstudios.org/blog/6-key-lessons-from-illustrator-lauren-kelsos-creative-talk/

BLICK CREATIVE RESOURCES - YearCompass 

As January draws to a close YearCompass is an amazing free downloadable booklet to help you reflect on the past year and plan your next year.

� With a set of carefully selected questions and exercises, YearCompass helps you uncover your own patterns and design the ideal year for yourself. �Learn from your mistakes, celebrate your victories, and set out a path you want to walk on. 

About YearCompass
In 2012 on New Year`s Eve with their friends, they made a booklet with a few questions to help their reflection and it went viral. Since then it`s become an international movement with more than 500+ volunteers from 61 countries. Today the YearCompass booklet is available in 52 different languages. The self-printed version is free to download from the YearCompass website and had 2,000,000 downloads last year.

The core team originates from Hungary working together since 2008 on multiple projects like CodeBerry School, Invisible University, and STEAM Academy. Currently active core team members: Békéssy László, P. Tóth András, Vigh István.

��https://www.instagram.com/yearcompass/�

�

��https://blickstudios.org/resources/yearcompass-free-booklet-to-help-you-reflect-on-the-year/����

Jan 30

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18125321947555471
BLICK CREATIVE RESOURCES - YearCompass 

As January draws to a close YearCompass is an amazing free downloadable booklet to help you reflect on the past year and plan your next year.

� With a set of carefully selected questions and exercises, YearCompass helps you uncover your own patterns and design the ideal year for yourself. �Learn from your mistakes, celebrate your victories, and set out a path you want to walk on. 

About YearCompass
In 2012 on New Year's Eve with their friends, they made a booklet with a few questions to help their reflection and it went viral. Since then it's become an international movement with more than 500+ volunteers from 61 countries. Today the YearCompass booklet is available in 52 different languages. The self-printed version is free to download from the YearCompass website and had 2,000,000 downloads last year.

The core team originates from Hungary working together since 2008 on multiple projects like CodeBerry School, Invisible University, and STEAM Academy. Currently active core team members: Békéssy László, P. Tóth András, Vigh István.

��https://www.instagram.com/yearcompass/�

�

��https://blickstudios.org/resources/yearcompass-free-booklet-to-help-you-reflect-on-the-year/����

We thought it would be nice to share a summary of our story here for anyone who doesn`t know much about us, with more info on our team and founders, studios, impact and services to come in the coming weeks!

Our story is so long now since starting in 2007 that we have had to do it in 2 parts! Here is part 1 from 2007 - 2011

We started in 2007 when a group of creatives returning to Northern Ireland from working or studying abroad met on an Ulster University and NESTA course for creative entrepreneurs. We quickly realised the value of working in a room together and also that there weren`t many suitable facilities in Belfast for creative freelancers and small business owners. There were art studios and commercial properties, but not much in between. We soon decided we wanted to set up a shared studio space to work on our creative businesses and soon other creatives started approaching us and the idea for Blick grew from there.
Our ambition with Blick was to create beautiful affordable spaces in great locations in Belfast for professional creatives to work productively and creatively in. Spaces for like-minded creatives to meet and share resources and ideas and support and inspire each other. Spaces that could survive and support creatives long term and be financially sustainable and independent.
As the idea grew and evolved, Christine took over managing Blick while others in the group focused on their own creative businesses. Christine’s sister Rosy came on board as a volunteer initially to manage the financial side of the organisation. Together they have been managing Blick since 2007.
We started with £5000 in a warehouse in the city centre before securing startup funding from Ulster University and Belfast City Council to move into our Malone Studios where we then worked to build a financially sustainable social enterprise model that allows us to support creatives with space, services and support without relying on funding long term.
Now we operate as a non-profit, social purpose offering shared and private studio space to more than 65 creatives across 3 buildings. We also provide virtual office services and run different events and projects to help support creat

Jan 29

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17926549287219260
We thought it would be nice to share a summary of our story here for anyone who doesn't know much about us, with more info on our team and founders, studios, impact and services to come in the coming weeks!

Our story is so long now since starting in 2007 that we have had to do it in 2 parts! Here is part 1 from 2007 - 2011

We started in 2007 when a group of creatives returning to Northern Ireland from working or studying abroad met on an Ulster University and NESTA course for creative entrepreneurs. We quickly realised the value of working in a room together and also that there weren't many suitable facilities in Belfast for creative freelancers and small business owners. There were art studios and commercial properties, but not much in between. We soon decided we wanted to set up a shared studio space to work on our creative businesses and soon other creatives started approaching us and the idea for Blick grew from there.
Our ambition with Blick was to create beautiful affordable spaces in great locations in Belfast for professional creatives to work productively and creatively in. Spaces for like-minded creatives to meet and share resources and ideas and support and inspire each other. Spaces that could survive and support creatives long term and be financially sustainable and independent.
As the idea grew and evolved, Christine took over managing Blick while others in the group focused on their own creative businesses. Christine’s sister Rosy came on board as a volunteer initially to manage the financial side of the organisation. Together they have been managing Blick since 2007.
We started with £5000 in a warehouse in the city centre before securing startup funding from Ulster University and Belfast City Council to move into our Malone Studios where we then worked to build a financially sustainable social enterprise model that allows us to support creatives with space, services and support without relying on funding long term.
Now we operate as a non-profit, social purpose offering shared and private studio space to more than 65 creatives across 3 buildings. We also provide virtual office services and run different events and projects to help support creat

Looking back before we move into a new month at some of our best bits of 2025!

Jan 27

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Looking back before we move into a new month at some of our best bits of 2025!

Some Monday motivation to get you through another dreary january week with some great insights from Juliette El Fouly founder of Le Contour https://lecontour.co.uk/ Contemporary Candle Company`s creative talk she did for us back in March.

Full blog on our website link below and in profile

https://blickstudios.org/blog/6-key-lessons-from-juliette-el-fouly-founder-of-le-contour-contemporary-candle-companys-creative-talk/

Jan 26

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Some Monday motivation to get you through another dreary january week with some great insights from Juliette El Fouly founder of Le Contour https://lecontour.co.uk/ Contemporary Candle Company's creative talk she did for us back in March.

Full blog on our website link below and in profile 

https://blickstudios.org/blog/6-key-lessons-from-juliette-el-fouly-founder-of-le-contour-contemporary-candle-companys-creative-talk/

BLICK RESOURCES FOR CREATIVES -  Creative Practice 12-month Self-Reflection Exercise

The perfect activity for a miserable January evening. Some useful questions to help you reflect on and plan for your creative practice at the start of a new year

What would you do in your creative practice in the next 12 months if you weren’t afraid?

If you did this what could you learn about yourself? how could you grow even if you aren’t successful?

What are the first steps you could take to make this a reality?

What have you learnt about yourself from your creative practice over the last 12 months?

What do you most complain about in your current creative practice?

If you weren’t allowed to complain about this thing anymore, what action would you have to take?

Which activities, if doubled, would make your creative practice meaningfully better?

Which activities, if halved, would make your creative practice meaningfully better?

Downloadable PDF available on the resources section of our website link below and in profile

https://blickstudios.org/resources/13155/

Jan 22

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BLICK RESOURCES FOR CREATIVES -  Creative Practice 12-month Self-Reflection Exercise

The perfect activity for a miserable January evening. Some useful questions to help you reflect on and plan for your creative practice at the start of a new year

What would you do in your creative practice in the next 12 months if you weren’t afraid?

If you did this what could you learn about yourself? how could you grow even if you aren’t successful?

What are the first steps you could take to make this a reality?

What have you learnt about yourself from your creative practice over the last 12 months?

What do you most complain about in your current creative practice?

If you weren’t allowed to complain about this thing anymore, what action would you have to take?

Which activities, if doubled, would make your creative practice meaningfully better?

Which activities, if halved, would make your creative practice meaningfully better?

Downloadable PDF available on the resources section of our website link below and in profile 

https://blickstudios.org/resources/13155/

Super cosy in our Hill St studios this evening working under the eaves with the sound of the rain on the roof 🌧 🌧

Jan 21

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Super cosy in our Hill St studios this evening working under the eaves with the sound of the rain on the roof 🌧 🌧

2016 looking back it’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years. A lot of changes with moves to new studios and so many events and projects and people in the last 10 years!

Our studios:

Back in 2016 we had studios both in 52 and 46 Hill Street - it was lovely to share no 52 with the yogis! We also had a space up in Derry/Londonderry in Ebrington and our Studios on the Malone Road.

It was a busy year for events working with lots of wonderful creative people in Northern Ireland including:

- Blick Academy for Creative Startups

- Share 6 inspirational talks for creative entrepreneurs

- 25 Pop-Up shop for designers

- The Faculty workshops and courses

- Creative Business Bootcamp

- The second year of Belfast Design Week (pic from Designedby organised by Jessica Fok for Belfast Design Week)

- Graduate residency programme

We are still involved with some of these events which is lovely 10 years later!

Jan 19

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17941297871984299
2016 looking back it’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years. A lot of changes with moves to new studios and so many events and projects and people in the last 10 years!

Our studios:

Back in 2016 we had studios both in 52 and 46 Hill Street - it was lovely to share no 52 with the yogis! We also had a space up in Derry/Londonderry in Ebrington and our Studios on the Malone Road.

It was a busy year for events working with lots of wonderful creative people in Northern Ireland including:

- Blick Academy for Creative Startups

- Share 6 inspirational talks for creative entrepreneurs

- 25 Pop-Up shop for designers

- The Faculty workshops and courses

- Creative Business Bootcamp

- The second year of Belfast Design Week (pic from Designedby organised by Jessica Fok for Belfast Design Week)

- Graduate residency programme

We are still involved with some of these events which is lovely 10 years later!

Our latest roundup of opportunities for creatives in Northern Ireland

01. Four Nations International Fund
Arts and culture thrive on international collaboration and exchange. The Four Nations International Fund helps artists and creative practitioners from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales collaborate with each other and with partners around the world.

02. Visual Arts Ireland Building a Sustainable Practice and Career
Catherine Hemelryk shares her experience on building a sustainable practice  and career relationships both within the art world and beyond. This webinar will take a practical and doable approach to the topic and she brings her experience of what to do and what not to do!

03. Sunflowers Sellers Market 
Applications are open for the second Sunflower Sellers Market on Sunday 8th March at Sunflower Public House

04. Creative Ireland – Shared Island grant calls 

The Creative Ireland Programme is delighted to announce three new funding calls to a combined value of €4.6 million supporting creativity, connection and wellbeing across the island of Ireland.

05. Reclaim the Agenda – International Women’s Day 2026 poster competition
The theme for 2026 is ‘Strength in Solidarity’. There are two age categories 12 -17yrs and 18 – 25yrs The winner will receive £100 prize and two runners-up will receive £50 each. Deadline for entries is January 31st, 2026

06. Ards and North Down Individual Artist Grant 
What is available?
A maximum grant of £250 is available.
DEADLINE: Monday 9 February 2026, 11:59pm (sharp)
 

07. Artist Development Session: A Funding Practical Workshop (Hybrid Event)
How to get your arts funding application over the line.
Date: Monday 26 January
Time: 2-5pm
Venue: Hybrid event online and Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL

Full listings including links on our website blog link below and in profile!

https://blickstudios.org/blog/january-creative-roundup/

Jan 16

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Our latest roundup of opportunities for creatives in Northern Ireland

01. Four Nations International Fund
Arts and culture thrive on international collaboration and exchange. The Four Nations International Fund helps artists and creative practitioners from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales collaborate with each other and with partners around the world.

02. Visual Arts Ireland Building a Sustainable Practice and Career
Catherine Hemelryk shares her experience on building a sustainable practice  and career relationships both within the art world and beyond. This webinar will take a practical and doable approach to the topic and she brings her experience of what to do and what not to do!

03. Sunflowers Sellers Market 
Applications are open for the second Sunflower Sellers Market on Sunday 8th March at Sunflower Public House

04. Creative Ireland – Shared Island grant calls 

The Creative Ireland Programme is delighted to announce three new funding calls to a combined value of €4.6 million supporting creativity, connection and wellbeing across the island of Ireland.

05. Reclaim the Agenda – International Women’s Day 2026 poster competition
The theme for 2026 is ‘Strength in Solidarity’. There are two age categories 12 -17yrs and 18 – 25yrs The winner will receive £100 prize and two runners-up will receive £50 each. Deadline for entries is January 31st, 2026

06. Ards and North Down Individual Artist Grant 
What is available?
A maximum grant of £250 is available.
DEADLINE: Monday 9 February 2026, 11:59pm (sharp)
 

07. Artist Development Session: A Funding Practical Workshop (Hybrid Event)
How to get your arts funding application over the line.
Date: Monday 26 January
Time: 2-5pm
Venue: Hybrid event online and Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL

Full listings including links on our website blog link below and in profile!

https://blickstudios.org/blog/january-creative-roundup/

6 Key Lessons From Juliette El Fouly Founder of Le Contour Contemporary Candle Company’s Creative Talk Last March

Juliette founder of @lecontourcandles shared her creative story with us back in March last year. Here are 6 Key Lessons from her creative talk to give you fresh inspiration ✨️

 

1. You are not your business

To cope with the inevitable hard times when starting a creative business try to keep some separation between you and your business and don’t over-identify with it.
 

2. Use every business experience as a personal learning opportunity

Ask yourself what you can learn personally from every experience. How can you grow? How can you improve? How can this experience help you? Make you stronger, wiser, happier, a better person?
 

3.Diversify your income streams

Try not to rely on the income from one product or service, it can leave your business vulnerable. For example Juliette spoke of her initial product being recreated and mass produced by a chinese manufacturer and how she lost almost all of her business overnight. This led her to make the decision to diversify her income streams to different products as well as candle-making workshops.
 

4. Invest in your branding and packaging

Particularly if you are developing a product for a saturated market like candles. Make the purchase of your products an experience and help your product stand out from the crowd.

5. Realise early on that you can’t do everything

Part of successfully running a creative business is knowing when to stop or step back or take a break. There is always more you could do, so you need to set some boundaries around your business and accept that you can’t do everything.

6. Setbacks are inevitable. Being able to pick yourself up and try again is key

Being resilient and able to cope with challenges and setbacks and pick yourself up and try again is key to successfully running a creative business. Juliette shared her experience of losing almost all of her business overnight when a Chinese manufacturer copied her product. After this she had to either give up, or accept her current situation, pick herself up and use it as a learning experience and start again.

Jan 14

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6 Key Lessons From Juliette El Fouly Founder of Le Contour Contemporary Candle Company’s Creative Talk Last March

Juliette founder of @lecontourcandles shared her creative story with us back in March last year. Here are 6 Key Lessons from her creative talk to give you fresh inspiration ✨️ 

 

1. You are not your business

To cope with the inevitable hard times when starting a creative business try to keep some separation between you and your business and don’t over-identify with it.
 

2. Use every business experience as a personal learning opportunity

Ask yourself what you can learn personally from every experience. How can you grow? How can you improve? How can this experience help you? Make you stronger, wiser, happier, a better person?
 

3.Diversify your income streams

Try not to rely on the income from one product or service, it can leave your business vulnerable. For example Juliette spoke of her initial product being recreated and mass produced by a chinese manufacturer and how she lost almost all of her business overnight. This led her to make the decision to diversify her income streams to different products as well as candle-making workshops.
 

4. Invest in your branding and packaging

Particularly if you are developing a product for a saturated market like candles. Make the purchase of your products an experience and help your product stand out from the crowd.

5. Realise early on that you can’t do everything

Part of successfully running a creative business is knowing when to stop or step back or take a break. There is always more you could do, so you need to set some boundaries around your business and accept that you can’t do everything.

6. Setbacks are inevitable. Being able to pick yourself up and try again is key

Being resilient and able to cope with challenges and setbacks and pick yourself up and try again is key to successfully running a creative business. Juliette shared her experience of losing almost all of her business overnight when a Chinese manufacturer copied her product. After this she had to either give up, or accept her current situation, pick herself up and use it as a learning experience and start again.

- - SHARED CREATIVE WORKSPACE AVAILABLE - -

We have dedicated deskspaces available in our beautiful Hill St studios:

– £165 per calendar month

– All inclusive prices (rent, rates, utilities, broadband) no VAT

– Minimum 3 months contract then on a rolling monthly contract

– 1 months rent required as a deposit

– Cathedral Quarter location

Email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing or visit our website for more info: 

https://blickstudios.org/locations/hill-street-belfast/

Jan 13

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- - SHARED CREATIVE WORKSPACE AVAILABLE - -

We have dedicated deskspaces available in our beautiful Hill St studios:

– £165 per calendar month

– All inclusive prices (rent, rates, utilities, broadband) no VAT

– Minimum 3 months contract then on a rolling monthly contract

– 1 months rent required as a deposit

– Cathedral Quarter location

Email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing or visit our website for more info: 

https://blickstudios.org/locations/hill-street-belfast/

Easing into the new year and making plans, by looking back at some of our favourite bits from 2025!

01. Nurture
One of our favourite bits of 2025 was our Nurture Programme where thanks to the kind support of Belfast City Council we were able to support 3 emerging artists.

02. Creative Talks
At Blick we always love hearing the stories of other creatives. Last year we heard the stories of the following creatives.
- Ian Pitt Founder and Creative Director of Me,Him&Her Design Studio
- Juliette El Fouly Founder of Le Contour Contemporary Candle Company
- Illustrator Lauren Kelso
- Artist & Illustrator Danni Simpson
- Ciaran Crudden Creative Director of The Last Brand

03. Creative Workshops
We hosted some fab creative workshops with some brilliant local creatives last year on topics including:
- How to DIY Your Brand with Laura Whitehouse founder of Mighty Fine Design
- Strategic Goal Setting with visual practitioner Stéphanie Heckman
- Adventures in ChatGPT and Creative Audio  with Graeme Watson and Katya Buryakova founders of Homewerk

04. One Bite Studio Visit
In April 2025 we had a lovely few days touring around Belfast with Alan and Sarah from One Bite Design who we met in Hong Kong in October 2024.

05. Creative Brunch with Innovate UK Business Growth
An inspiring brunch event for creatives in our Hill St studios.

06. Creative Adventure Club with Homewerk
We loved collaborating with our friends at Homewerk for this new project.

07. Ulster University Enterprise Placement Year Retail Ready Fieldtrip 
In October we also had the pleasure of organising and hosting this for a group of creative students.

08. Arts Council of Northern Ireland Finance Fair
In November we were delighted to deliver one-to-one 30 minute sessions helping artists to take control of their finances.

09. Womenfolk
In 2025 we started a great new collaboration with @kitschsistersbelfast

10. Irish Design Week
We worked on a @belfastdesignwk project for @irish_designweek in collaboration with onebite design and @futureislandisland to showcase creative projects and stories from the islands of Rathlin, Ireland and Hong Kong at an evening of design talks and exhibition

Jan 12

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17850076338620305
Easing into the new year and making plans, by looking back at some of our favourite bits from 2025!

01. Nurture
One of our favourite bits of 2025 was our Nurture Programme where thanks to the kind support of Belfast City Council we were able to support 3 emerging artists.

02. Creative Talks
At Blick we always love hearing the stories of other creatives. Last year we heard the stories of the following creatives.
- Ian Pitt Founder and Creative Director of Me,Him&Her Design Studio 
- Juliette El Fouly Founder of Le Contour Contemporary Candle Company 
- Illustrator Lauren Kelso 
- Artist & Illustrator Danni Simpson 
- Ciaran Crudden Creative Director of The Last Brand 

03. Creative Workshops
We hosted some fab creative workshops with some brilliant local creatives last year on topics including:
- How to DIY Your Brand with Laura Whitehouse founder of Mighty Fine Design
- Strategic Goal Setting with visual practitioner Stéphanie Heckman 
- Adventures in ChatGPT and Creative Audio  with Graeme Watson and Katya Buryakova founders of Homewerk 

04. One Bite Studio Visit
In April 2025 we had a lovely few days touring around Belfast with Alan and Sarah from One Bite Design who we met in Hong Kong in October 2024. 

05. Creative Brunch with Innovate UK Business Growth
An inspiring brunch event for creatives in our Hill St studios. 

06. Creative Adventure Club with Homewerk
We loved collaborating with our friends at Homewerk for this new project.

07. Ulster University Enterprise Placement Year Retail Ready Fieldtrip 
In October we also had the pleasure of organising and hosting this for a group of creative students. 

08. Arts Council of Northern Ireland Finance Fair
In November we were delighted to deliver one-to-one 30 minute sessions helping artists to take control of their finances. 

09. Womenfolk
In 2025 we started a great new collaboration with @kitschsistersbelfast

10. Irish Design Week
We worked on a @belfastdesignwk project for @irish_designweek  in collaboration with onebite design and @futureislandisland to showcase creative projects and stories from the islands of Rathlin, Ireland and Hong Kong at an evening of design talks and exhibition
Our locations:

Blick Shared Studios, Hill Street

46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
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Blick Shared Studios, Cotton Court

30-42 Waring Street, Belfast, BT1 2ED
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Blick Shared Studios, Great Northern St

65 Great Northern Street, Belfast, BT9 7FL
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02890137395 info@blickstudios.org
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Blick Shared Studios is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland registration number NIC102158
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