Ulster University Enterprise Placement Year Retail Ready Fieldtrip Pics

Hard to believe it has been a year since our trip to Hong Kong to create the Design Your Life interactive design installation with Belfast Design Week as part of the British Council Hong Kong Spark Festival. Sadly no international travel this year, but lots of great projects coming up including more @belfastdesignwk projects as part of @irish_designweek in November. We will be sharing more details on these over the next few weeks!

Oct 17

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Hard to believe it has been a year since our trip to Hong Kong to create the Design Your Life interactive design installation with Belfast Design Week as part of the British Council Hong Kong Spark Festival. Sadly no international travel this year, but lots of great projects coming up including more @belfastdesignwk projects as part of @irish_designweek in November. We will be sharing more details on these over the next few weeks!

Some weekend reading! An interview we did with our friends Graeme and Katya founders of @homewerk.project back in the spring who are now working with us on a new series of Saturday morning workshops for creatives!

The next workshop is on creating Audio Content which is next Saturday 25th October at 10am with 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.

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

Oct 17

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Some weekend reading! An interview we did with our friends Graeme and Katya founders of @homewerk.project back in the spring who are now working with us on a new series of Saturday morning workshops for creatives!

The next workshop is on creating Audio Content which is next Saturday 25th October at 10am with 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.

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

Last chance to book for tonight`s creative talk by Ciaran Crudden founder and creative director of The Last Brand creative agency

CREATIVE TALK DETAILS
Date: Wed 15th October
Time: 7pm - 8pm
Venue: Blick Hill St
Cost: Free

More info & booking (link below and in profile)

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

Oct 15

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Tonight Ciaran Crudden founder and creative director of The Last Brand is sharing his creative story with us at our creative talk.

Ahead of his talk we have done a short interview with Ciaran which we have been sharing in bits over the last week or so. Here`s the full interview and you can also find it on the blog on our website!

We still have a couple of free tickets left for tonight which you can also sign up for on our website if you would like to join us!

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

Oct 15

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** Blick Resident Gallery 545 – Contemporary Art of Northern Ireland #6 **

25 October – 22 November 2025

Blick resident Gallery 545 @gallery545online in collaboration with the Island Arts Centre @islandartscentre presents this annual showcase of contemporary art of Northern Ireland, presenting over twenty accomplished artists and a diverse selection of exciting artworks.

Featuring Lisa Ballard, Justė Bernotaitė, Majella Clancy, Craig Donald, Ray Duncan, Emma Fitzpatrick, Karl Hagan, Elham Hemmat, Eamonn Higgins, Ashely B. Holmes, Sharon Kelly, Louise Lennon, Judith Logan, Alison Lowry, Rosie McGurran, Sinead McKeever, Sarah McWilliams, Maria Perry, Frances O’Reilly, Latisha Reihill, Katherine St Angelo and Anushiya Sundaralingam.

See the events page of our website for more info or @gallery545online on Instagram

https://blickstudios.org/events/contemporary-art-of-northern-ireland-6/

Oct 14

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** Blick Resident Gallery 545 – Contemporary Art of Northern Ireland #6 **

25 October – 22 November 2025

Blick resident Gallery 545 @gallery545online in collaboration with the Island Arts Centre @islandartscentre presents this annual showcase of contemporary art of Northern Ireland, presenting over twenty accomplished artists and a diverse selection of exciting artworks.

Featuring Lisa Ballard, Justė Bernotaitė, Majella Clancy, Craig Donald, Ray Duncan, Emma Fitzpatrick, Karl Hagan, Elham Hemmat, Eamonn Higgins, Ashely B. Holmes, Sharon Kelly, Louise Lennon, Judith Logan, Alison Lowry, Rosie McGurran, Sinead McKeever, Sarah McWilliams, Maria Perry, Frances O’Reilly, Latisha Reihill, Katherine St Angelo and Anushiya Sundaralingam.

See the events page of our website for more info or @gallery545online on Instagram

https://blickstudios.org/events/contemporary-art-of-northern-ireland-6/

An Interview with Ciaran Crudden Creative Director and Founder of The Last Brand who is sharing his story at our next Creative Talk on Wednesday evening at 7pm in our Hill St studios

Ciaran runs The Last Brand, a small branding and digital design studio in Belfast that works across brand identity, web, experiential and motion.

You can find details and sign up on the events page of our website for Ciaran`s talk!

You can also read Ciaran`s full interview on our website blog: https://blickstudios.org/blog/an-interview-with-ciaran-crudden-creative-director-and-founder-of-the-...

Oct 14

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Our next Creative Talk is this Wednesday 15th October at 7pm in our Hill St studios with 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/

Here we are also sharing some examples of his design and branding work for the drinks industry. If you would like to come along to hear Ciaran share his creative story you can sign up for free on the events page of our website link below and in profile

CREATIVE TALK DETAILS

Date: Wed 15th October
Time: 7pm - 8pm
Venue: Blick Hill St
Cost: Free

More info & booking: https://blickstudios.org/events/blick-creative-talk-ciaran-crudden-creative-director-of-the-last-bra...

Oct 13

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In 2 weeks on Saturday 25th October!

* * Digital Brunch: Creative Audio for Beginners * *

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 information or to book your place visit:
https://blickstudios.org/events/digital-brunch-creative-audio-for-beginners/

Oct 11

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In 2 weeks on Saturday 25th October!

* * Digital Brunch: Creative Audio for Beginners * *

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 information or to book your place visit:
https://blickstudios.org/events/digital-brunch-creative-audio-for-beginners/

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

01. The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre Artist / Creative Call Out – Digital Exhibition
The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre are looking for digital submissions of works (in any discipline – Visual Arts, Written word, Film / Performance) for a thought-provoking Visual Arts Exhibition – displayed via screens and projections and a performance, highlighting Hate Crime.
Closing date: 4pm, 14th October 2025.

02. BSOA Christmas Market Open Call for Vendors
Saturday 29th November Belfast School of Art and Belfast School of Art Art Shop Christmas Market 2025

03. Grants for Blocked Creatives
Any creative can apply: artists, writers, painters, makers, designers. uk participants only. 18+
To apply: comment an emoji (or DM an emoji if you’re unable to comment)
Deadline extended: midnight 17th October 2025

04. Exhibition Call Out at Millennium Court
Millennium Court have released an open call for exhibition proposals. Most shows run for 4-6 weeks with a week for installation and de-installation.
Closing date: 31st October

05. Ards Arts Centre and North Down Museum OPEN CALL: ForM Sculpture Exhibition 2026
Applications are now open for artists from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to propose works, suitable for outdoors, that responds to the environment of Bangor Castle Walled Garden.
Closing date: Mon 2 March 2026, 11:59pm (sharp)

Full listings including links on our blog link below and in profile:
https://blickstudios.org/blog/creative-roundup-opportunities-for-creatives-4/

Oct 9

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On the final day of his interview with us ahead of his talk next Wed 15th October Ciaran shares with us how he copes on the days he doubts himself and his creative work

If you want to sign up for the talk just visit the events page of our website!

Oct 8

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On the final day of his interview with us ahead of his talk next Wed 15th October Ciaran shares with us how he copes on the days he doubts himself and his creative work

If you want to sign up for the talk just visit the events page of our website!

It`s a busy week. As well as today`s Creative Brunch event with Innovate UK Business Growth and tonight`s Creative Adventure Club with @homewerk.project this Friday 10th October we are very excited to be hosting a ‘Retail Ready Fieldtrip’ we have organised for a group of creative Ulster University Enterprise Placement Year students, covering topics such as:

• Understanding your Market – what makes your product different, where you will ideally sell your work, which retailers/ platforms will work best for your business

• Merchandising your product

• How to approach retailers

• How to present your product

• How to find the right retailers for your work

• Pricing your work

Delivered in partnership and with the kind support of the following local independent retailers who will generously be sharing their first-hand experiences and insights with the students

• Linzi Rooney founder of @wearebornandbred_ a gift shop in Belfast that specialises in the art of gifting top quality, locally designed products. Sourcing the best talent across the island of Ireland.

• Emma Jackson founder of @hunterpaperco an independent shop in Belfast, which sells a range of carefully curated stationery as well as their own luxury letterpress stationery, greetings cards and art prints

• Rachel McIlgorm founder of @storyboxni a Belfast-based social enterprise which sources and sells ethical gifts from local makers, social enterprises, and sustainable brands.

Thanks to Ulster University for inviting us to be part of their programme of events for the students

This event is specifically for Ulster University Enterprise Placement Year Students so unfortunately you can`t book a place, but we will be sure to share some pics and insights following the event

Oct 8

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It's a busy week. As well as today's Creative Brunch event with Innovate UK Business Growth and tonight's Creative Adventure Club with @homewerk.project this Friday 10th October we are very excited to be hosting a ‘Retail Ready Fieldtrip’ we have organised for a group of creative Ulster University Enterprise Placement Year students, covering topics such as:

• Understanding your Market – what makes your product different, where you will ideally sell your work, which retailers/ platforms will work best for your business

• Merchandising your product

• How to approach retailers

• How to present your product

• How to find the right retailers for your work

• Pricing your work

Delivered in partnership and with the kind support of the following local independent retailers who will generously be sharing their first-hand experiences and insights with the students

• Linzi Rooney founder of @wearebornandbred_ a gift shop in Belfast that specialises in the art of gifting top quality, locally designed products. Sourcing the best talent across the island of Ireland.

• Emma Jackson founder of @hunterpaperco an independent shop in Belfast, which sells a range of carefully curated stationery as well as their own luxury letterpress stationery, greetings cards and art prints

• Rachel McIlgorm founder of @storyboxni a Belfast-based social enterprise which sources and sells ethical gifts from local makers, social enterprises, and sustainable brands.

Thanks to Ulster University for inviting us to be part of their programme of events for the students

This event is specifically for Ulster University Enterprise Placement Year Students so unfortunately you can't book a place, but we will be sure to share some pics and insights following the event

In his interview today with us ahead of his creative talk next week, creative director and creative agency founder Ciaran shares about how he sets boundaries around his work for himself and his team

If you want to sign up for the talk next Wednesday evening just visit the events page of our website!

Oct 7

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In his interview today with us ahead of his creative talk next week, creative director and creative agency founder Ciaran shares about how he sets boundaries around his work for himself and his team

If you want to sign up for the talk next Wednesday evening just visit the events page of our website!

EVENTS AT BLICK THIS OCTOBER

Some of our upcoming events at Blick this October

DECOLONIAL POLITICS

Date: Sun 5th October 5, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Cost: £30

INTERMEDIATE POETRY WORKSHOP

Date: Tues 7th October 5, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Cost: £40

CREATIVE BRUNCH WITH INNOVATE UK BUSINESS GROWTH

Date: Wed 8th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10.30am

CREATIVE ADVENTURE CLUB

Date: Wed 8th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 6.30pm

GETTING RETAIL READY FIELDTRIP

Date: Fri 10th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St & Various

Contributors: Born & Bred, Hunter Paper Co, Story Box,

Time: 10am - 4pm

CREATIVE TALK WITH CIARAN CRUDDEN CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LAST BRAND

Date: Wed 15th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 7pm - 8pm

Cost: Free

DIGITAL BRUNCH: CREATIVE AUDIO FOR BEGINNERS

Date: Sat 25th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10am - 1pm

WOMENFOLK X KITSCH SISTERS VISION BOARD WORKSHOP

Date: Sun 26th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 2pm - 4pm

WOMENFOLK PEER MENTORING

Date: Tes 30th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 7pm - 9pm

For more information or to book tickets visit the events page of our website: https://blickstudios.org/events/

Oct 7

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Today in his interview with us ahead of his creative talk next week Ciaran shares with us some advice for other creatives on a similar path!

If you want to sign up for his talk next Wed 15th just visit the events page of our website! https://blickstudios.org/events/

Oct 6

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Today in his interview with us ahead of his creative talk next week Ciaran shares with us some advice for other creatives on a similar path!

If you want to sign up for his talk next Wed 15th just visit the events page of our website! https://blickstudios.org/events/

** THE CREATIVE ADVENTURE CLUB **

This Autumn we are collaborating with our friends at Homewerk @homewerk.project with this new project. The Creative Adventure Club, a 9-week experiment in shaking up your routine.

Every fortnight we`ll meet in person in our Hill Street studios to get quirky creative assignments and share our work with a small, friendly community, and between these sessions we`ll meet online for creative check-ins and inspiration!

It’s totally free to join while we trial it—but if you’d like to toss a coin in the hat to help cover costs, we promise to spend it on snacks!

For more info & to sign up visit the events page of our website (link below and in profile)

https://blickstudios.org/events/creative-adventure-club-with-homewerk/

Oct 6

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We have two dedicated deskspaces available in our beautiful Hill St studios from 1st November

– £165 per calendar month for one desk or £285 for both desks

- 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/

Oct 6

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We have two dedicated deskspaces available in our beautiful Hill St studios from 1st November

– £165 per calendar month for one desk or £285 for both desks

- 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/

An unusually quiet Friday on Hill Street due to the weather earlier this evening

Oct 3

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An unusually quiet Friday on Hill Street due to the weather earlier this evening

Today in his interview with us ahead of his creative talk for us later this month Ciaran shares with us about the biggest hurdle he faced when starting his own creative business

If you want to sign up for the talk just visit the events page of our website! https://blickstudios.org/events/

Oct 3

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Today in his interview with us ahead of his creative talk for us later this month Ciaran shares with us about the biggest hurdle he faced when starting his own creative business

If you want to sign up for the talk just visit the events page of our website! https://blickstudios.org/events/

Today in our interview with Ciaran Crudden ahead of his creative talk for us later this month he shares some of his experiences running his own creative business!

If you want to sign up for the talk on Wed 15th October just visit the events page of our website!

https://blickstudios.org/events/

Oct 2

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Today in our interview with Ciaran Crudden ahead of his creative talk for us later this month he shares some of his experiences running his own creative business!

If you want to sign up for the talk on Wed 15th October just visit the events page of our website!

https://blickstudios.org/events/

In 2 weeks on Wed 15th October Ciaran Crudden founder and creative director of the last brand is sharing his creative story with us at our next Creative Talk.

Ahead of his talk we have done a short interview with Ciaran which we will be sharing over the next week or so. Starting today with an introduction to Ciaran, his business and why he wanted to start it in the first place!

If you want to sign up for the talk just visit the events page of our website!

https://blickstudios.org/events/

Oct 1

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Stay in the