Belfast Design Week: Big Design Day Out

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

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18104845957717896

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

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18089438362842263

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

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18056917472234231

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

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18083025448800969

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

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17941144254073564

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

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18106379149592107

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

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18071516429237438

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

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18376860847197847

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

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18057194561192642

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

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18363748099157911

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

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18102676009719949

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

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18071904929180711

* * * EVENTS AT BLICK THIS OCTOBER * * *

Some of our upcoming events at Blick this October

* * DECOLONIAL POLITICS * *

Date: Sun 5th October, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Cost: £30

* * INTERMEDIATE POETRY WORKSHOP * *

Date: Tues 7th October, 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 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

* * NEW Womenfolk EVENTS & WORKSHOPS TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY * *

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

Oct 1

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17914947780067593

* * 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 the events page of our website (link below and in profile)

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

Sep 30

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18084416309501574

* * EVENTS AT BLICK THIS OCTOBER * *

Some of our upcoming events at Blick this October

* * DECOLONIAL POLITICS * *

Date: Sun 5th October, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Cost: £30

* INTERMEDIATE POETRY WORKSHOP *

Date: Tues 7th October, 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 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

* NEW Womenfolk EVENTS & WORKSHOPS TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY *

For more information or to book tickets visit the events page of our website (link below and in profile) https://blickstudios.org/events/

Sep 29

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18077130230105571

BLICK VIRTUAL OFFICE 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.

UK Based Creative* Business £22.50 (Monthly Rate Paid Quarterly) £200 (Annual Rate)

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.

UK based Creative* Business £30 (Monthly Rate Paid Quarterly) £300 (Annual Rate)

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

Sep 26

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17917297134051611

BLICK VIRTUAL OFFICE 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.

UK Based Creative* Business £22.50 (Monthly Rate Paid Quarterly) £200 (Annual Rate)

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.

UK based Creative* Business £30 (Monthly Rate Paid Quarterly) £300 (Annual Rate)

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

Looking way back to our first Creative Talk of the year with Ian Pitt Founder and Creative Director of Me,Him&Her Design Studio, many thanks to @verahylands for the video! We also have a new blog with a writeup of his talk on our website. Our next creative talk is on Wed 15th October with past Blick Resident Ciaran Crudden, creative director and founder of creative agency The Last Brand. You can sign up for your free ticket on the events page of our website (link in profile)

Sep 25

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17981198714863783

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

01. Future Screens – Future Foundation Call For Mentors and Mentees

Mentors

Future Foundation is now seeking experienced professionals to join the mentoring bank. If you have five or more years’ experience in the Creative and Cultural Industries, and at least three years of mentoring experience, they want to hear from you.

Closing date: Wednesday 01 October 2025.

Mentees

– Must have one years’ experience within Creative and cultural industries
– Not in full time education
– Primarily based in Northern Ireland
– Interested in developing/ adapting new approaches and learning new skills

Closing date: Friday 10 October 2025.

02. Co-builders by Catalyst – The Ideas Bootcamp
The Ideas Bootcamp is a full-day workshop that helps you shape and strengthen your ideas. Whether you are starting with a problem area or an early concept, you will refine, test, and explore its real potential through hands-on activities.
Date: Saturday 27th September at
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Catalyst, Titanic Quarter, Belfast

03. Digital Transformation Flexible Fund
All 6 of the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF) is now open for expressions of interest
DTFF supports small and micro businesses in Northern Ireland to invest in advanced digital technologies. The fund offers grants of £5,000 to £20,000, covering up to 70% of eligible project costs, to help businesses adopt transformative technologies.

Closing date: midday on 12.00pm 24 October

04. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Since 1975, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) have been helping businesses and organisations innovate for growth.

05. Invest NI Innovation Vouchers
Do you have an innovation project that could lead to the development of a new or improved product, service, business model, or process? Will it create value in your business, produce new profits or help grow the business? If so, then an Innovation Voucher could help support this.

Closing date: 15:00, Friday 3 October 2025.

Full blog including links on our website ✨️ (link in profile)

Sep 24

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18327514312231125

We`re very excited for our next Creative Talk on Wednesday 15th October at 7pm with Ciaran Crudden who used to be one of our creative residents at Blick before his business outgrew our space!

Ciaran is a really lovely guy and the 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

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 on Wed 15th October at 7pm in our Hill St Studios you can sign up for free on our website (link in profile)

Sep 23

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18532896910030620

Creative Brunch with Innovate UK Business Growth

On Wednesday 8th October at 10.30am Innovate UK will be hosting a brunch event for creatives in our Hill St studios.

Join us for a vibrant morning of inspiration, meaningful connections, and a delicious brunch curated by Yellow Door to find out more about Innovate UK and how they can support your creative business!

Event Details

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

Booking link in profile

Sep 22

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18056949500174557

Sorry, this event has ended.

Belfast Design Week: Big Design Day Out

Share article:

Stay in the