Food Loves Design – FADA Studio x MAVEN x Nine Squared
We are delighted to have @wearemaven_ joining @fadastudio.co to talk about how they worked together on the interior design for @ninesquaredcoffee at our next Food Loves Design event next Tuesday evening at @ninesquaredcoffee
ABOUT MAVEN
Maven is an award-winning, independent furniture and homeware store located in a stunning former bank building on Belfast’s bustling Lisburn Road. Celebrating its 13th birthday this Autumn, Maven brings together the very best of international design, as well as smaller designer makers, resulting in a design destination that has customers travelling from across the island of Ireland.
As well as a bricks and mortar shop, Maven customers can also shop online. The team has a dedicated contracts division, working alongside architects, designers and contractors, as well as personal shopping and design services for residential customers.
https://wearemaven.co.uk
EVENT DETAILS
Event Date: Tuesday 17th November
Event Time: 5.30pm - 7.00pm
Location:Nine Squared Belfast, 33 Queen Street, Belfast, BT1 6EA
Cost: £20.00 general admission to include food and refreshments (there are also 5 free low income tickets available)
For more info and to book visit the events page of our website link below and in profile
https://blickstudios.org/events/14866/
Nov 11
Food Loves Design – FADA Studio x MAVEN x Nine Squared
We are excited to welcome @fadastudio.co to speak at our second Food Loves Design event next Tuesday 17th November at @ninesquaredcoffee to give us a unique insight into the world of interior design. They will share their experiences on how they worked together with @wearemaven_ to bring Nine Squared to life. Including initial ideas and creative vision through to the collaborative process, the thinking behind the interiors and how thoughtful design can shape the way we experience a place.
ABOUT FADA STUDIO
FADA is a multifaceted design studio; an open, empathetic environment where creative conversation can thrive and flourish, where concepts are nurtured, contorted and tested before taking on their final form. We are considered in our approach, producing work that instils an appreciation for craft and precedent.Derived from the Irish language, FADA is an acronym for ‘faoi aon díon amháin’ translating as, ‘under one roof.’ In this space, under one roof, we thrive on the cross-pollination of ideas, people and place, resulting in the creation of meaningful timeless spaces, furniture, objects and forms.
Founder and Architectural Designer, Aoife Mulvenna, is a collaborative creative with a passion for emotional place making and an eye for detail. She is driven by a genuine desire to understand her clients on a deeper level, crafting beautiful spaces that feel authentic and brand specific.
http://www.fadastudio.co/
EVENT DETAILS
Event Date: Tuesday 17th November
Event Time: 5.30pm - 7.00pm
Location:Nine Squared Belfast, 33 Queen Street, Belfast, BT1 6EA
Cost: £20.00 general admission to include food and refreshments (there are also 5 free low income tickets available)
For more info and to book visit the events page of our website link in profile and below
https://blickstudios.org/events/14866/
Nov 10
Welcome To The Table
Tuesday 10th November
Day Two: Make, Eat, Gather
Session 2 - Tunisian Cuisine and Culture with Sabeh Sendi Carthago
Venue: Art Shop at Belfast School of Art
Time: 12.30-14.00
Discover Tunisian cuisine and culture from Carthago’s owner and head chef Sabeh Sendi and sample a Tunisian tasting tray.
Nov 9
We had a great first day of Welcome To The Table for @irish_designweek at @bsoa_artshop we have a great lineup for tomorrow!
Tuesday 10th November
Day Two: Make, Eat, Gather
Session 1 - Alli Steen Larder>East @lardereast
Venue: Art Shop at Belfast School of Art
Time: 10.00-12.30
Hear from Larder>East’s Alli Steen on the significance of tables and public spaces and design your own gathering space.
This is a free drop-in event, everyone is welcome!
Nov 9
Monday 9th November
Session 3 - Zine Making with BIA! Zine
Art Shop at Belfast School of Art
14.00-16.00
Join BIA! Zine for a very special session - "An Ode to the Meal that Changed My Life" : A zine-making workshop inspired by your favourite foods.
This is a free drop-in event everyone is welcome!
Nov 9
Monday 9th November
Day One: Welcome to the table
Session 1 - Project Introduction & Create A Table Centrepiece
Art Shop at Belfast School of Art
10.00-12.30
An introduction with Belfast Design Week and the Art Shop. Followed by Dr. Pamela Whitaker sharing a presentation describing the material culture of food and the art of gathering.As part of this morning event, participants will have a chance to create a table centrepiece with Pamela, using natural materials that will be displayed as part of the Welcome to the Table exhibition at the Belfast Central Library.
Dr. Adriana Ionascu will introduce the Foundation Art & Design Food Project that is currently installed at Belfast Central Library.
Nov 9
Here`s everything that`s happening this week for Welcome to The Table as part of Irish Design Week - all sessions are free drop-in sessions!
Monday 9th November
Day One: Welcome to the table
Session 1 - Project Introduction & Create A Table Centrepiece
Art Shop at Belfast School of Art
10.00-12.30
An introduction with Belfast Design Week and the Art Shop. Followed by Dr. Pamela Whitaker sharing a presentation describing the material culture of food and the art of gathering.As part of this morning event, participants will have a chance to create a table centrepiece with Pamela, using natural materials that will be displayed as part of the Welcome to the Table exhibition at the Belfast Central Library.
Dr. Adriana Ionascu will introduce the Foundation Art & Design Food Project that is currently installed at Belfast Central Library.
Session 2 - A Tour of Belfast Central Library
Belfast Central Library
12.30-14.00
A tour of Belfast Central Library - a vital third space in the community full of heritage, design and ideas for gathering.
Session 3 - Zine Making with BIA! Zine
Art Shop at Belfast School of Art
14.00-16.00
Join BIA! Zine for a very special session - "An Ode to the Meal that Changed My Life" : A zine-making workshop inspired by your favourite foods.
Tuesday 10th November - Day Two: Make, Eat, Gather
Session 1 - Alli Steen Larder>East
Art Shop at Belfast School of Art
10.00-12.30
Hear from Larder>East’s Alli Steen on the significance of tables and public spaces and design your own gathering space.
Session 2 - Tunisian Cuisine and Culture with Sabeh Sendi Carthago
Art Shop at Belfast School of Art
12.30-14.00
Discover Tunisian cuisine and culture from Carthago’s owner and head chef Sabeh Sendi and sample a Tunisian tasting tray.
Sessions 3 & 4- Make A Cultural Space & Installation
Art Shop at Belfast School of Art and Belfast Central Library
14.00-17.00
Develop a unique cultural space using found objects and repurposed materials and install at Belfast Central Library
Thursday 12th November
Design After Dark celebration at Belfast Central Library with full exhibition of work. (Belfast Central Library)
18.00- 20.00
Nov 7
Meet The Founders - Christine James Part 1: How the idea came about
Here we get to meet Blick founder Christine James and find out how the idea for Blick first came about.
You can also read her interview on the team page of our website: https://blickstudios.org/the-team/
Nov 6
DESIGN AFTER DARK NOVEMBER
It’s our first proper month of Design After Dark, here are some of the design events happening in Belfast after dark this month!
Monday 02 November – Food Loves Design: Hundred Studio X Charlie’s Pizza - Already Over!
Time: 3 – 4.30pm
Venue: Charlie’s Pizza, Ormeau Road
About: Bringing together Hundred Studio and Charlie’s Pizza for a collaborative evening exploring the design behind the brand. Hundred Studio will share how they developed Charlie’s Pizza’s identity, putting culture and community at the heart of the process. Expect insights into the creative process, interactive elements and of course pizza!
Thursday 05 November – Irish Design Week 2026: Welcome To The Table – Late Night Art Showcase
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Venue: Belfast Central Library and Second Nature Hotel
About: In our Late Night Art Showcase ahead of Irish Design Week 2026, Belfast School of Art’s Foundation (Product Design) students have explored the eating experience through designing tableware in an exercise of reimagining traditional eating tools that enhance the users’ sensory involvement with food
Thursday 12 November – Irish Design Week 2026: Welcome To The Table Design After Dark Celebration
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Venue: Belfast Central Library
About: Design After Dark celebration at Belfast Central Library showcasing all the work from the project.
Tuesday 17 November – Food Loves Design – FADA Studio x MAVEN x Nine Squared
Time: 5.30 – 7pm
Venue: Nine Squared Coffee, Queen Street
About: Bringing together FADA Studio, Maven and Nine Squared for an insight into the world of interior design. Discover how the three came together to bring Nine Squared to life, from the initial ideas and creative vision through to the design and delivery of the space. Hear about the collaborative process, the thinking behind the interiors and how thoughtful design can shape the way we experience a place.
Full listings including links on our website blog:
https://blickstudios.org/blog/design-after-dark-november/
Nov 4
‘Echoes of the Northern Land’ – Blick Resident Gallery 545 Group Exhibition
Event Dates: 20 November – 20 December 2026, 2026
Location:Harrison Chambers of Distinction, Belfast
Showcasing original artworks inspired by landscapes of Northern Ireland at the beautiful hotel Harrison Chambers of Distinction. Discover exceptional local talent and find artwork to take home.
Featuring accomplished painters Lisa Ballard • Emma Fitzpatrick • Janet Keith • Frances O’Reilly • Maria Perry • Sarah McWilliams • Anushiya Sundaralingam.
Curated by Francesca Biondi, Art Director, @gallery545online
Artworks available for purchase online from Gallery 545, with collection in person / shipping outside Northern Ireland
Find out more on Gallery 545’s website https://gallery545.com.
Nov 4
After a brilliant first event on Monday at Charlie’s pizza we are delighted to launch our 2nd Food Loves Design event. This time in collaboration with @fadastudio.co @wearemaven_ and @ninesquaredcoffee
From illustration and branding to interiors and experiences, Food Loves Design celebrates the role of design in shaping how we experience food and hospitality. This event series invites the wider public to explore the creativity, ideas and thinking behind the places, brands and experiences we love, in a way that is joyful, accessible and interactive.
Our second event takes place on Tuesday 17th November, bringing together FADA Studio, Maven and Nine Squared for an insight into the world of interior design. Discover how the three came together to bring Nine Squared to life, from the initial ideas and creative vision through to the design and delivery of the space. Hear about the collaborative process, the thinking behind the interiors and how thoughtful design can shape the way we experience a place.
Event details:
Date: Tues 17th Nov
Time: 5.30 - 7.00pm
Venue: Nine Squared, Queen Street, Belfast
Cost: £20 (incl refreshments) there are also 5 free places for those on a low income
Book on the Blick website
https://blickstudios.org/events/14866/
Nov 3
STUDIO SPACE AVAILABLE THIS MONTH
- 1 private 1-2 person studio in our Cotton Court Studio £300 per calendar month
- 1 dedicated deskspace in our Cotton Court Studio £130 per calendar month
- 1 dedicated deskspace in our Hill Street Studios £165 per calendar month
All prices are all inclusive (rates, utilities, broadband etc) without VAT and contracts are for a minimum of 3 months then on a month by month basis
Visit our website or email [email protected] for more info or to arrange a viewing
Nov 3
Some of the things we are involved with at Blick this month!
Mon 02 Nov - Food Loves Design Hundred Studio X Charlie`s Pizza
3pm - 4.30pm
Thu 05 Nov - The Future of Creative Work by Crew at Catalyst Titanic
10am - 2pm
Thu 05 Nov - Irish Design Week - Welcome To The Table Showcase for Late Night Art at Belfast Central Library and Second Nature Hotel
6pm onwards
Mon 09 Nov - Irish Design Week - Welcome To The Table Session 1 at BSOA Artshop
10am - 12.30pm
Mon 09 Nov - Irish Design Week - Welcome To The Table - Belfast Central Library Tour
12.30 - 2pm
Mon 09 Nov - Irish Design Week - Welcome To The Table - Session 2 at BSOA Artshop - Zine Making with BIA Zine!
Tue 10 Nov - Irish Design Week - Welcome To The Table - Session 3 at BSOA Artshop - Larder>East’s Alli Steen
10.00 - 12.30pm
Tue 10 Nov - Irish Design Week - Welcome To The Table - Session 4 at BSOA Artshop - Discover Tunisian cuisine and culture
12.30 - 2pm
Tue 10 Nov - Irish Design Week - Welcome To The Table - Session 5 at the Artshop - Develop a unique cultural space using found objects and repurposed materials
2pm - 4pm
Tue 10 Nov - Irish Design Week - Welcome To The Table - Install your work at Belfast Central Library
4 - 5pm
Thu 12th Nov - Irish Design Week - Welcome To The Table - Design After Dark celebration at Belfast Central Library with full exhibition of work
6pm onwards
Visit our website for full details: https://blickstudios.org/events/
Nov 2
Last Chance To Book - Food Loves Design Charlie`s Pizza X Hundred Studio tomorrow Monday 02 November at 3pm!
This is our first Food Loves Design event and it brings together Hundred Studio and Charlie’s Pizza for a collaborative evening exploring the design behind the brand. Hundred Studio will share how they developed Charlie’s Pizza’s identity, putting culture and community at the heart of the process. Expect insights into the creative process, interactive elements and of course pizza!
Hundred Studio is an independent creative business that only cares about big ideas.
Charlie`s is a neighbourhood pizzeria on Belfast`s Ormeau Road. It was founded by Marty Duggan, formerly known as Pi Guy, and has served thousands and thousands of slices of pizza since opening in 2024, partnering with local charities and community groups on fundraisers, events and more.
Normal ticket prices are £20 which includes pizza and a soft drink and there are also 5 free local income tickets for anyone with a passion for design who can`t afford a ticket!
You can book tickets on the Blick or Belfast Design Week website`s:
https://blickstudios.org/events/food-loves-design-hundred-studio-x-charlies-pizza/#booking
https://belfastdesignweek.com/bdw26events/2026/11/2/food-loves-design
Nov 1
Some weekend reading. There is a brilliant case study by Hundred Studio about their process developing the brand for Charlie’s Pizza on their website:
https://hundredstudio.co.uk/projects/charlies-pizza/
The case study beautifully takes you through their journey with the brand from their first meeting with Marty the founder of Charlie’s on a cold evening on Hill St when he was serving pizza from two Gozney ovens. Through building a friendship that would become a partnership across every single part of the brand project. Their starting point was simple – they had to make something that would last. Their goal was to design something timeless that still grabbed people’s attention at launch.
Join us next Monday 02 November at 3pm in Charlie’s Pizza on the Ormeau Road to hear directly from Hundred Studio about this process!
Food Loves Design Charlie’s Pizza X Hundred Studio
Date: Mon 02 Nov
Time: 3.00 - 4.30pm
Venue: Charlie’s Pizza, Ormeau
Cost: £20 (incl pizza and soft drink) 5 free tickets also available for those on low incomes
Book through the Blick or BDW website links below and in profile
https://blickstudios.org/events/food-loves-design-hundred-studio-x-charlies-pizza/#booking
https://belfastdesignweek.com/bdw26events/2026/11/2/food-loves-design
Brand Identity: Hundred Studio
Interior Architecture: OGU Architecture
Oct 31
Our latest roundup of funding and opportunities for NI Creatives.
01. Groundwork for Growth
Supports ambitious and innovative local businesses with the potential to sell outside Northern Ireland. Successful applicants can receive up to £15,000 in funding.
Closing date: Mon 2nd Nov 12pm
02. Discover Creative Careers programme
The programme delivers career support for young people considering a job in the creative industries. It is aimed at young people aged 11–24 across the UK, with a particular focus on those from under-represented backgrounds and underserved regions.
Closing date: 30th Nov
03. National Lottery Individual Artists Digital Evolution Awards
- Upskilling NI artists in the use of new media and immersive arts
- Creation of excellent Digital Art*
- Creation of digital arts
- Creating opportunities for audiences to experience new media and immersive arts
- Encouraging cross-sectoral collaboration
Closing date: Thu 26th Nov 12pm
04. Rosy James Memorial Trust Awards
This unique bursary aims to support craft makers in developing their careers. This year, the Major Award has increased to £20,000, and we have also introduced three Emerging Maker Awards worth £5,000 each.
Closing date: Mon 9th Nov 12pm
05. Green Room Exhibitions – Open Call
The Black Box does not take commission on sales and featured artists are paid a fee of £150 for their time.
Closing date: 2nd Nov
06. QSS Artist Studios’ & Gallery – Open Call for 2027/28 Exhibitions
This call is open to:
- Artists and curators at all stages of their careers
- Solo/group proposals in any fine art medium
Closing date: Sun 1st Nov 11pm
07. Navigating the Belfast Business Support Ecosystem
Time:10am to 12:30pm
Date: Thu 12th Nov
Venue: City Hall
08. Visual Artists Ireland Setting Up as a Self-Employed Artist
09. Midtown Makers Callout For Northern Irish Artists, Crafters, and Makers.
Midtown Makers Gift Shop in Ballymena has opened the application process for new members.
10. The Golden Fleece Award
Funding for artists working in all forms of visual, craft and applied arts.
Closing date: Fri 11th Dec 5pm
Full listings including links on our website blog (link in profile)
Oct 30
I am really looking forward to being part of this fab event by @crewdigital.ie all about the future of creative work next Thursday 5th Nov at Catalyst Titanic!
I will be on a panel about creating the conditions for connection. Hopefully there won`t be too many tricky questions!
There are loads of other great things happening throughout the morning all about what the future of creative work will look like and what do we need to do to create the conditions for it to thrive?
Creative work is becoming increasingly connected across sectors, disciplines, technologies and borders. New networks, digital tools, emerging technologies and changing markets are opening up new possibilities for creative businesses but meaningful collaboration does not happen by itself. It depends on the right conditions: the relationships we build, the spaces and networks that connect us, the skills and knowledge we share, the technologies we use, and the opportunities that enable businesses to work together.
The Future of Creative Work brings together creative businesses, practitioners, researchers, organisations and ecosystem partners to explore what those conditions look like with a particular focus on the potential of cross-border and cross-sector collaboration. The half-day programme moves from evidence and experience to discussion and action, combining research, real-world case studies, panel conversations and an interactive Creative Collaboration Lab.
Oct 29
Earlier this month we hosted a workshop for Ulster University Enterprise Placement Year students all about the tricky subject of ‘Pricing Your Creative Work’. There are no magic answers when it comes to pricing your creative work so the aim of the workshop was for everyone to leave with a clearer method for pricing their creative products or services. We covered some workshop materials in our Hill Street Studios including topics such as:
- Understanding why pricing creative work is difficult
- Identifying the real costs involved in producing their work
- Calculating a minimum viable price
- Considering the impact of experience, expertise, value and demand
- Researching comparable prices without simply copying competitors
- Understanding the difference between cost, price and value
- Practising explaining and defending their price
We then went on a wonderful Fieldtrip as a group to visit Craft NI in their shop and gallery where Katherine very kindly explained a bit more about selling to retail and some of the different considerations such as:
- Retail mark ups
- Sale or return
- The importance of professional packaging
- Understanding your market
- The importance of keeping your prices consistent across all outlets
- The potential of having different lines of product at different price points e.g. one off pieces and mass produced
Let us know if this is a a topic you would like help with/ a workshop you would be interested in for your creative business
https://blickstudios.org/blog/blick-creative-fieldtrip-pricing-your-creative-work/
Oct 28
Just under a week until our first Food Loves Design event in Charlie`s Pizza!
The first event takes place next Monday 2nd November at 3pm, bringing together Hundred Studio and Charlie’s Pizza for a collaborative evening exploring the design behind the brand. Hundred Studio will share how they developed Charlie’s Pizza’s identity, putting culture and community at the heart of the process. Expect insights into the creative process, interactive elements and of course pizza!
Hundred Studio is an independent creative business that only cares about big ideas.
Charlie`s is a neighbourhood pizzeria on Belfast`s Ormeau Road. It was founded by Marty Duggan, formerly known as Pi Guy, and has served thousands and thousands of slices of pizza since opening in 2024, partnering with local charities and community groups on fundraisers, events and more.
�Normal ticket prices are £20 which includes pizza and a soft drink and there are also 5 free local income tickets for anyone with a passion for design who can`t afford a ticket!
�You can book tickets on the Blick or Belfast Design Week website`s:
��https://blickstudios.org/events/food-loves-design-hundred-studio-x-charlies-pizza/#booking�
��https://belfastdesignweek.com/bdw26events/2026/11/2/food-loves-design
Oct 27
FOOD LOVES DESIGN: HUNDRED STUDIO X CHARLIE’S PIZZA
Date & Time: MONDAY 02 NOVEMBER, 15.00-16.30
Venue: CHARLIE’S PIZZA, Ormeau
The first “Food Loves Design” takes place on Monday 2 November, bringing together Hundred Studio and Charlie’s Pizza for a collaborative evening exploring the design behind the brand.
Hundred Studio will share how they developed Charlie’s Pizza’s identity, putting culture and community at the heart of the process. Expect insights into the creative process, interactive elements and of course pizza!
Guest contributors
Hundred Studio is an independent creative business that only cares about big ideas.
Charlie`s is a neighbourhood pizzeria on Belfast`s Ormeau Road. It was founded by Marty Duggan, formerly known as Pi Guy, and has served thousands and thousands of slices of pizza since opening in 2024, partnering with local charities and community groups on fundraisers, events and more.
Cost: £20 (price includes a slice of pizza and soft drink)
Book through the events pages on the Blick or Belfast Design Week websites (links in profile and below)
https://blickstudios.org/events/food-loves-design-hundred-studio-x-charlies-pizza/
Oct 23
