Blick Creative Talk - Ciaran Crudden Creative Director of The Last Brand

Join us on Saturday 27th September to meet other creatives and learn more about using Canva for your creative business over coffee and pastries!

This is the first in a new series of collaborative workshops in partnership with Homewerk @homewerk.project for creatives, communicators and the digitally curious, to explore practical skills, emerging trends, and fresh ideas in digital media.

Love it or loathe it, Canva is now well established as an essential tool for creating social media posts, presentations, branding and much more besides, making graphic design accessible to everyone. If your creative or business projects have made you something of an accidental designer through Canva, this relaxed morning taster workshop will revisit some of the basics of the platform and principles of design, and demonstrate some of the ways to make the most of Canva’s capabilities.

Workshop Details

Date: Saturday 27th September
Time: 10.00am – 12.15pm
Location: Blick Studios, Hill Street, Belfast
Cost: £15.00

Booking link in profile

Sep 17

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* CREATIVE ROUNDUP - OPPORTUNITIES FOR CEATIVES *

Our latest roundup of local and international funding, support & opportunities for NI creatives

01. RAD Fund BFI Doc Society Research & Development Fund

BFI Doc Society Funds support and nurture independent non-fiction films and immersive projects by UK filmmakers: prioritising expansive, director-led storytelling. Open to applications on a rolling basis.

02. Immersive Arts – UK-Based Artists – Funding Opportunity

The final round of Immersive Arts is now open. This opportunity is for UK-based artists to apply for grants to Explore, Experiment, or Expand their work using immersive technologies.
Closing date: 29th September

03. BBC Three invites Indies to pitch Current Affairs Documentaries for YouTube and BBC iPlayer

This opportunity is for five qualifying indies to each make one 30 minute single current affairs documentary. The stories must be primarily set in the UK, and they will be working with their colleagues across the BBC Nations where relevant.
They would like the films delivered from February 2026.

Closing date: 6th October 2025

04. Event – Looking After the Artist / Facilitator

A workshop and panel discussion exploring how we look after ourselves, so we can take care of others while we’re creating.
Hosted by Creative Lives’ staff member and community musician, Seonaid Murray.
Free, but pre-booking is essential.
Date: 17th September
Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Venue: Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, BT27 4RL

05. Black Box Green Room Exhibition Open Call

The Black Box is looking for artists for their monthly exhibitions in The Green Room. Each month they feature a different artist in their multidisciplinary performance and exhibition space. The callout is open to visual artists working in any media. The Black Box does not take commission on sales and featured artists are paid a fee for their time.
For consideration, please submit a single PDF containing an artist statement/bio, statement of work proposed, a link to a website or social media accounts, and a selection of 6-10 high quality images to exhibitions@blackboxbelfast.com

Closing date: 10th Oct

Full listings including links on our blog

Sep 16

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* CREATIVE ROUNDUP - OPPORTUNITIES FOR CEATIVES *

Our latest roundup of local and international funding, support & opportunities for NI creatives

01. RAD Fund BFI Doc Society Research & Development Fund

BFI Doc Society Funds support and nurture independent non-fiction films and immersive projects by UK filmmakers: prioritising expansive, director-led storytelling. Open to applications on a rolling basis.

02. Immersive Arts – UK-Based Artists – Funding Opportunity

The final round of Immersive Arts is now open. This opportunity is for UK-based artists to apply for grants to Explore, Experiment, or Expand their work using immersive technologies.
Closing date: 29th September

03. BBC Three invites Indies to pitch Current Affairs Documentaries for YouTube and BBC iPlayer

This opportunity is for five qualifying indies to each make one 30 minute single current affairs documentary. The stories must be primarily set in the UK, and they will be working with their colleagues across the BBC Nations where relevant.
They would like the films delivered from February 2026.

Closing date: 6th October 2025

04. Event – Looking After the Artist / Facilitator

A workshop and panel discussion exploring how we look after ourselves, so we can take care of others while we’re creating.
Hosted by Creative Lives’ staff member and community musician, Seonaid Murray.
Free, but pre-booking is essential.
Date: 17th September
Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Venue: Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, BT27 4RL

05. Black Box Green Room Exhibition Open Call

The Black Box is looking for artists for their monthly exhibitions in The Green Room. Each month they feature a different artist in their multidisciplinary performance and exhibition space. The callout is open to visual artists working in any media. The Black Box does not take commission on sales and featured artists are paid a fee for their time.
For consideration, please submit a single PDF containing an artist statement/bio, statement of work proposed, a link to a website or social media accounts, and a selection of 6-10 high quality images to exhibitions@blackboxbelfast.com

Closing date: 10th Oct

Full listings including links on our blog

* NEW EVENT - Blick Creative Talk – Ciaran Crudden Creative Director of The Last Brand *

Join us on Wednesday 15th October for our next Blick Creative Talk with past Blick creative resident Ciaran Crudden – founder and creative director of The Last Brand a creative studio committed to crafting brands that capture imaginations and inspire meaningful consumer interactions.

Ciaran is a senior creative with over 15 years’ experience across branding, experiential, art direction and motion design. His work focuses on uncovering the visual and verbal threads that connect and resonate with audiences. Known for bold ideas and thoughtful execution, Ciaran blends strategy with creativity to craft brand communications and experiences that are both distinctive and authentic.

In this talk, Ciaran will reflect on his creative journey, offering insights into different projects, valuable lessons learned, and the real-world experience of running an independent creative studio. You can find out more about Ciaran and see his work on his website The Last Brand https://www.thelastbrand.co.uk/

EVENT DETAILS:

Event Date(s): October 15, 2025
Event Time: 7.00 -8.00 pm
Location: 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free

Book your place on the events page of our website (link in profile or below)

https://blickstudios.org/events/blick-creative-talk-ciaran-crudden-creative-director-of-the-last-brand/

Sep 15

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* NEW EVENT- Digital Brunch: Creative Audio for Beginners *

Homewerk @homewerk.project and Blick Shared Studios present an occasional series of relaxed Saturday morning meet-ups for creatives, communicators and the digitally curious, to explore practical skills, emerging trends, and fresh ideas in digital media.

Are you curious about how to bring stories to life through sound? In this session we’ll be joined by radio and audio producer Owen McFadden from WhyFi Productions, who’ll draw on his experience of creating award-winning audio for BBC Radio Ulster, Radio 4 and more, to give insights into the basics of recording, editing, and shaping audio into compelling listening. Whether you’re curious about podcasting, oral history, or creative soundscapes, this session will give you time and inspiration to think about the potential and power of audio.

WORKSHOP DETAILS

Date: Saturday 25th October
Time: 10.00am – 12.15pm
Location: Blick Studios, Hill Street, Belfast
Cost: £15.00

For more info and to book tickets visit the events page of our website (link below and in profile

https://blickstudios.org/events/digital-brunch-creative-audio-for-beginners/

Sep 12

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* NEW EVENT- Creative Brunch with Innovate UK Business Growth *

Join us at Blick Studios for a vibrant morning of inspiration, meaningful connections, and a delicious brunch curated by Yellow Door!

This exclusive session is your chance to hear directly from some of our most exciting creative companies as they share their innovation journeys from early-stage to scaling success!

What to Expect:

Insight into funding opportunities, including grants and investment support

Strategic guidance to help shape your business journey!

International growth and innovation management advice

A chance to meet your local Innovate UK Business Growth team and fellow creatives

This is your opportunity to connect with the Innovate UK Business Growth team, gain strategic insights, and explore new possibilities for your business.

Spaces are limited, so come hungry—for ideas and brunch—and secure your spot today.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Wednesday 8 October 2025
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Blick Studio, Hill Street, Belfast
Breakfast by: Yellow Door

For more details and to book your free place visit our website link below and in profile

https://blickstudios.org/events/creative-brunch-with-innovate-uk-business-growth/

#innovateukbusinessgrowth

Sep 10

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*NEW EVENT*

*******************************************
Digital Brunch: Lessons From A Canva Addict
*******************************************

Homewerk and Blick Shared Studios present an occasional series of relaxed Saturday morning meet-ups for creatives, communicators and the digitally curious, to explore practical skills, emerging trends, and fresh ideas in digital media.

Love it or loathe it, Canva is now well established as an essential tool for creating social media posts, presentations, branding and much more besides, making graphic design accessible to everyone. If your creative or business projects have made you something of an accidental designer through Canva, this relaxed morning taster workshop will revisit some of the basics of the platform and principles of design, and demonstrate some of the ways to make the most of Canva’s capabilities.

Workshop Details
-—————

Date: Saturday 27th September
Time: 10.00am – 12.15pm
Location: Blick Studios, Hill Street, Belfast

Cost: £15.00

For more info and to book a ticket visit the events page of our website (link in profile and below)

https://blickstudios.org/events/digital-brunch-lessons-from-a-canva-addict/

Sep 9

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Some Monday Motivation from our latest `Meet the Resident` interview with portrait artist Rachael Armstrong @rachaelpaintsweddings

You can read Rachael`s full interview on our blog link in profile ✨️

Sep 8

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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
———————————

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.

Prices below show the Monthly Rate which is paid quarterly and the Yearly Rate

UK Based Creative Business
£22.50
£200

UK Based Non-Creative Business
£30
£300

EU Based Creative Businesses
£30
£300

EU Based Non-Creative Businesses
£40
£400

Weekly Business Address Service
-——————————

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.

Prices below show the Monthly Rate which is paid quarterly and the Yearly Rate

UK based Creative Business
£30
£300

UK based Non-Creative Business
£40
£400

EU based Creative Businesses
£40
£400

EU based Non-Creative Businesses
£50
£500

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

Sep 5

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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
———————————

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.

Prices below show the Monthly Rate which is paid quarterly and the Yearly Rate

UK Based Creative Business
£22.50
£200

UK Based Non-Creative Business
£30
£300

EU Based Creative Businesses
£30
£300

EU Based Non-Creative Businesses
£40
£400

Weekly Business Address Service
-——————————

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.

Prices below show the Monthly Rate which is paid quarterly and the Yearly Rate

UK based Creative Business
£30
£300

UK based Non-Creative Business
£40
£400

EU based Creative Businesses
£40
£400

EU based Non-Creative Businesses
£50
£500

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

Meet our newest creative resident in our Great Northern Street studios Portrait Artist - Rachael Armstrong @rachaelpaintsweddings

You can also read her full interview on our blog on our website (link below and in profile) 🎨 🖌

https://blickstudios.org/blog/meet-the-resident-portrait-artist-rachael-armstrong/

Sep 3

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- - 1-3 PERSON PRIVATE STUDIO AVAILABLE FROM OCTOBER IN OUR COTTON COURT STUDIOS - -

We have one private 1 - 3 person studio available in our Cotton Court studios from October

– £325 per calendar month all inclusive (rent, rates, utilities, broadband) no VAT

– Minimum 3 months contract then on a rolling monthly contract

– 1 months rent required as a deposit

– Industrial style building full of creative organisations

– Cathedral Quarter location opposite the Merchant hotel

– Email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing

Link in bio and here https://blickstudios.org/locations/cotton-court-belfast/

Sep 1

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- - 1-3 PERSON PRIVATE STUDIO AVAILABLE FROM OCTOBER IN OUR COTTON COURT STUDIOS - -

We have one private 1 - 3 person studio available in our Cotton Court studios from October

– £325 per calendar month all inclusive (rent, rates, utilities, broadband) no VAT

– Minimum 3 months contract then on a rolling monthly contract

– 1 months rent required as a deposit

– Industrial style building full of creative organisations

– Cathedral Quarter location opposite the Merchant hotel

– Email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing

Link in bio and here https://blickstudios.org/locations/cotton-court-belfast/

Love this space in the afternoon sun!

Aug 29

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A summary of some of our recent impact at Blick! We operate as a non-profit social enterprise and put any profits we make from our workspace and services back into supporting the creative community in Belfast 🪴 🌱 🌿

Aug 28

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A summary of some of our recent impact at Blick! We operate as a non-profit social enterprise and put any profits we make from our workspace and services back into supporting the creative community in Belfast 🪴 🌱 🌿

- - AVAILABLE CREATIVE WORKSPACE SOUTH BELFAST - -

�We have one dedicated deskspace coming available from the 1st September in our South Belfast shared creative coworking space:�

– South Belfast location close to the Lisburn Road with lots of shops, coffee shops and bars within walking distance

– £150 per dedicated desk with allocated storage all inclusive (rent, rates, utilities, broadband) no VAT

– 24 hour access

– Breakout area

– 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 the Great Northern Street Studios page of our website for more info (link below and in profile)

�https://blickstudios.org/locations/great-northern-street/

Aug 27

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Did you know Blick is set up as a non-profit social enterprise? We put the profits generated from our workspace and services back into supporting the local creative community! Here is a summary of some of the impact of our work from March 2024 - February 2025

You can read more about our impact on our website link below and in profile:

https://blickstudios.org/the-team/our-impact/

--

Aug 26

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A summary of our story at Blick from when we started way back in 2007, over 17 years ago. A steep learning curve that`s for sure!

Aug 21

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A summary of our story at Blick from when we started way back in 2007, over 17 years ago. A steep learning curve that's for sure!

- - THE STORY OF BLICK- -

It`s hard to believe, it seems like only yesterday, but we started Blick 17 years ago way back in 2007 with a group of other creatives who wanted to come together to create a great workspace for creatives in Belfast.

Our ambition was to create beautiful but affordable spaces for creatives to work in. Spaces for like-minded creatives to meet and share resources, ideas and inspiration. Spaces to build a sense of community and encourage, support and inspire each other.

Blick now operates as a non-profit creative workspace in Belfast, Northern Ireland offering dedicated desks, private studios, and business address services. Spread across three beautiful buildings, we also provide events and tailored support to help creatives thrive.
Blick now provides creative shared workspace and private studio space to more than 65 creatives across 3 different buildings in Belfast as well as virtual office services to over 90 creatives.
We are currently busy settling into our new Great Northern Street studios and we have a whole variety of talks and workshops happening for local creatives which you can see over on our Website events page. We also have different projects and programs, as well as regular blogs including links to funding and opportunities for creatives and lots of downloadable resources to help you start and grow your own creative business which you can find on our website (www.blickstudios.org)

Here`s a summary of some of the major parts of our story over the last 17 years, you can also read it on our website

https://blickstudios.org/the-team/the-blick-story/

Aug 18

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- - THE STORY OF BLICK- -

It's hard to believe, it seems like only yesterday, but we started Blick 17 years ago way back in 2007 with a group of other creatives who wanted to come together to create a great workspace for creatives in Belfast.

Our ambition was to create beautiful but affordable spaces for creatives to work in. Spaces for like-minded creatives to meet and share resources, ideas and inspiration. Spaces to build a sense of community and encourage, support and inspire each other.

Blick now operates as a non-profit creative workspace in Belfast, Northern Ireland offering dedicated desks, private studios, and business address services. Spread across three beautiful buildings, we also provide events and tailored support to help creatives thrive.
Blick now provides creative shared workspace and private studio space to more than 65 creatives across 3 different buildings in Belfast as well as virtual office services to over 90 creatives.
We are currently busy settling into our new Great Northern Street studios and we have a whole variety of talks and workshops happening for local creatives which you can see over on our Website events page. We also have different projects and programs, as well as regular blogs including links to funding and opportunities for creatives and lots of downloadable resources to help you start and grow your own creative business which you can find on our website (www.blickstudios.org)

Here's a summary of some of the major parts of our story over the last 17 years, you can also read it on our website

https://blickstudios.org/the-team/the-blick-story/

- - Blick Resident Gallery 545 - ‘Re-imagined Places’ Group Exhibition - -

Dates: 20 -24 August 2025

Location: Gallery 545 at La Roche House, Belfast & online

Cost: Free

Blick resident @gallery545online presents ‘Re-imagined Places’, an exhibition of original artworks inspired by landscapes created by accomplished artists based in Northern Ireland. A diverse art selection will be on display at La Roche House, from beautiful views of Northern Ireland to evocative imaginary lands, exquisite foliage motives, vibrant abstract paintings, and colourful glass pieces.

Featuring Justė Bernotaitė, Lisa Ballard, Louise Lennon, Alison Lowry, Rosie McGurran, Maria Perry, Latisha Reihill, and Anushiya Sundaralingam.

Visit the Gallery 545 Instagram page: @gallery545online

Or website for full details: https://gallery545.com/blogs/exhibitions/re-imagined-places-group-exhibition

Aug 13

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- - Blick Resident Gallery 545 - ‘Re-imagined Places’ Group Exhibition - -

Dates: 20 -24 August 2025

Location: Gallery 545 at La Roche House, Belfast & online

Cost: Free

Blick resident @gallery545online presents ‘Re-imagined Places’, an exhibition of original artworks inspired by landscapes created by accomplished artists based in Northern Ireland. A diverse art selection will be on display at La Roche House, from beautiful views of Northern Ireland to evocative imaginary lands, exquisite foliage motives, vibrant abstract paintings, and colourful glass pieces.

Featuring Justė Bernotaitė, Lisa Ballard, Louise Lennon, Alison Lowry, Rosie McGurran, Maria Perry, Latisha Reihill, and Anushiya Sundaralingam.

Visit the Gallery 545 Instagram page: @gallery545online

Or website for full details: https://gallery545.com/blogs/exhibitions/re-imagined-places-group-exhibition

Our latest roundup of opportunities for creatives in NI

01. Techstart Proof of Concept Grant Fund
The Techstart Proof of Concept Grant Fund is a pre-commercial grant awarding fund. On a competitive basis, the fund supports entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland with grants to explore the viability and commercial potential of an innovative concept.

02. Creative Boom launches Boom Briefs
Need to update your portfolio? Or looking for your next challenge? Push yourself out of your comfort zone with Creative Boom’s monthly creative prompts: Boom Briefs.

03. Call for Applications: CIRCLE Fiction Orbit 2025
CIRCLE Fiction Orbit is an intensive one-week workshop designed to support filmmakers—directors, writers, and producers—developing their second, third or fourth fiction feature, and this year it’s going to Montenegro in November. This opportunity comes with a participation fee.

Closing date: 15th August 2025

04. China Artists Residency Programme
Up to a 30 days residency in Beijing. For the pilot year, Digital Arts is the selected artform for the residency. This year’s Residency Programme is for Digital Artists working within the arts sector in Northern Ireland.

Closing date: 21st August

05. Art Breakfast Club Belfast
Meet-up in Pottinger’s Cafe in the City Centre

Date: Saturday 16th August, 10.30am

06. CraftNI ‘THE GIFT’ (Christmas Selling Exhibition) Callout
Craft NI Gallery are inviting applications from makers across a variety of craft disciplines to take part in ‘THE GIFT’, a curated Christmas exhibition celebrating both the accomplishments of local craft makers and elegance of artisan gifting.

Application Deadline: Friday 5th September, 5pm

Full listings including links on the blog on our website (link in profile and below)

https://blickstudios.org/blog/creative-roundup-opportunities-for-creatives-3/

Aug 12

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Some words of wisdom to start your week from our latest Meet the Resident interview with Sarah Baecher, an artist from the U.S. and one of our newest Cotton Court residents!

You can read her full interview on our website link below and in profile https://blickstudios.org/blog/12724/

Aug 11

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- - RESOURCES FOR CREATIVES - TOOLS TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS - -

Here are some tools and methods to help you set goals for your creative business and achieve them.

1. Journalling
Use a journal for tracking your goals and smaller daily achievements.

2. Use Your Mobile Phone
Use your mobile phone to set daily reminders or use goal setting apps.

3. Goal Setting Apps and Software
Use goal setting and project management software, tools and apps such as:
• Monday - (this is what we use at Blick and we couldn`t survive without it)
• Clickup
• Wrike
• Hubspot
• Asana
• Trello

4. Motivational Notes and Images
Place motivational notes and posters around your home or work desk.

5. Visualisation Activities
Use visualisation activities e.g. mindfulness, affirmations and meditation.

6. Friends and Family
Accountability can help, tell friends and family what you’re working towards so they can offer support and keep you accountable.

6. Networking Groups and Meet Ups
Join groups or meet-ups with like-minded people trying to achieve similar goals

You can find all our goal-setting resources on the resources section of our website link below and in profile

https://blickstudios.org/resources/

Aug 10

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Blick Creative Talk – Ciaran Crudden Creative Director of The Last Brand

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