Blick Creative Roundup July – August
Our summary of some interesting and useful opportunities, events and resources over the next couple of months.
FUNDING, SUPPORT & OPPORTUNITIES
Northern Ireland Screen Short Film Funding
Northern Ireland Screen have launched their short film funding call. Funding is available for talent to produce live action, factual and virtual reality short films normally up to 15 minutes in length.
Individual level deadline: 18th August
Company level deadline: 29th September
More info: https://northernirelandscreen.co.uk/funding/funding-calls/
Anthology Creative Awards
The Anthology Creative Awards are now open for entries. Established to encourage and promote visual artists and writers, the Anthology Creative Awards provide a platform for emerging creatives to publish their work. There are six categories: Photography, Cover Art, Short Story, Flash Fiction, Travel Writing and Poetry. The winner of each category will win a cash prize and publication in a future issue of the internationally-distributed Anthology magazine.
Closing date: Sept/ Oct 2023
More info: https://anthology-magazine.com/category/awards/
QEST Awards and Emerging Maker Grants
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) awards scholarship and apprenticeship funding of up to £18,000 to talented and aspiring craftspeople working in a broad range of skills, from farriery and jewellery design, to silversmithing, dry stone walling, glassblowing cheese maturing, sculpture and more.
In addition to the Scholarship and Apprenticeship funding, QEST are excited to launch the Emerging Maker Grants this summer. This new funding opportunity supports talented early-career craftspeople in their development. Makers with four years or less of professional practice, who have a strong connection to materials, technical skills and processes, can apply for up to £10,000.
The funding specifically supports training and education to enable makers to enhance their craft skills and advance their careers. The training can take many forms, from traditional college courses to vocational one-on-one training with a master craftsperson, or a bespoke programme of short courses.
Three ‘How To’ sessions will be held via Zoom to introduce interested makers to the different funding available, tips and advice for filling in applications and the opportunity for Q&A:
How to Apply for a Scholarship – Wednesday 12 July, 1pm-2pm
How to Apply for an Apprenticeship – Tuesday 18 July, 1pm-2pm
How to Apply for an Emerging Makers Grant – Thursday 20 July, 1pm-2pm
Deadline for applications: 5pm, Monday 14th August 2023.
More info: www.qest.org.uk/apply
Benchspace Designer In Residence Programme
This programme endeavours to bring established designers and makers from outside of County Cork, Ireland, to showcase their work and contribute fresh perspectives to the professional makers at Benchspace. It affords the successful candidate the opportunity to create a new body of work or facilitate the exploration of innovative methodologies, within the creative community at Ireland’s first, shared, creative manufacturing hub, based in Cork City.
Programme details:
– 4 week residency across August and September 2023
– Access and inductions to benchspace’s professional workshops (wood, fine-metal, digital fabrication, product photography and digital design)
– Individual studio workspace within our shared workshop
– €2000 to put towards travel, accommodation and expenses
– €200 materials budget
Contact programmes@benchspacecork.ie if you have any questions.
Closing date: Sunday 2nd July
More info: https://benchspacecork.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Designer-in-Residence-2023-Final.pdf
Poetry with Pride Submissions
Belfast Pride is now seeking submissions for 2023’s Poetry with Pride magazine – a digital publication celebrating queer poetry in Belfast. They’re especially eager to publish poetry by members of the LGBT+ community in Belfast but we also welcome submissions from LGBT+ writers across the island of Ireland and further afield.
Submissions guidelines:
Poems to be no longer than 30 lines, with a maximum of three poems per submission.
Deadline for submissions: 6th July 2023.
Please email your work as a Word doc or pdf attachment to toby.buckley@belfastpride.com.
August Craft Month Exhibition
Craft NI are pleased to invite applications to take part in their August Craft Month exhibition 2023. This exhibition will have a number of prizes aimed at supporting makers at different stages of their careers. The exhibition will take place during August and into September, as part of August Craft Month celebrations, held in the Craft NI Gallery, Belfast’s only dedicated crafts venue. All exhibitors will benefit from the promotional activity around August Craft Month, the support of Craft NI communications and Gallery staff and profile on Craft NI’s exhibition website. There will also be a number of Guild Prizes for both emerging and established makers.
Closing date: Friday 30th June
More info: https://craftni.org/augustcraftmonthexhibition/
Royal Ulster Academy of Arts – Call for Entries 2023
The RUA Annual Exhibition is the most eagerly anticipated exhibition in the Northern Ireland cultural calendar providing a unique platform for acclaimed artists and emerging talent to showcase their artwork in the fabulous galleries of the Ulster Museum.
Closing date: Monday 17th July
More info: https://royalulsteracademy.oess1.uk/
Princes Trust Development Awards
Development Awards are grants of up to £500 to help young people who are struggling to access education, work or training due to a lack of funds. Please note that the average award is £200 and it is not possible to support every young person with a £500 grant.
More info: https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/help-for-young-people/get-funding-train-learn
The Textile Society’s Professional Development Awards
The Society’s Professional Development Awards of up to £2,000 support the further development of professional practitioners within their chosen textile discipline, whether art, craft, design, curatorial, scientific or any other textile related field.
The Awards are intended for professionals working within a recognised field of textiles, including PhD candidates in the later stages of their research.
Applications are assessed annually, and the award is given on the strength of the applicant meeting the professional criteria within their discipline and chosen textile field.
Closing date: 1 September 2023
More info: https://www.textilesociety.org.uk/awards/professional-development-award
BFI Film Fund
The aim is to champion a breadth of bold and distinctive filmmaking across the UK; to nurture new talent; and to back the development, production and distribution of films that will enrich UK film culture.
BFI welcomes applications for film projects in all genres, and is committed to promoting diversity in the filmmakers we support, the stories they tell and the audiences they reach.
BFI also supports independent UK distributors to help ensure that the best British and specialised films connect with a wide range of audiences across a range of platforms. BFI supports sales companies that are launching new UK films at key international film festivals and markets.
Applications can be made to the Film Fund at any time, and you should expect to receive an initial response from us within six to eight weeks.
More info: https://www.bfi.org.uk/get-funding-support
New Belfast Ceramics Studio
An exciting new ceramics studio is being opened next month in East Belfast by Helen Faulkner Ceramics.
Belfast Ceramics Studio is an open access clay studio providing classes for all levels in ceramic techniques as well as membership based access for professional makers and independent hobby potters.
Classes are available for non-members and members and the July workshops are available to book now with August open days and classes coming soon.
More info: www.belfastceramicsstudio.com
The Big Queer Art Show Open Call
To celebrate Queer Art Usfolk Illustration Agency is delighted to invite LGBTQ+ artists to submit their work to be considered for this year’s Big Queer Art Show.
Submission date: 5.30pm on Fri 30th June
More info: https://www.instagram.com/usfolkillustrate/
Catalyst Arts Auction
All proceeds will support Catalyst Arts and our programming for 2023-24 – in turn supporting local and international artists we work with.
The auction will be live from Tuesday 27th June 1pm to Friday 7th July 1pm.
More info: https://www.instagram.com/catalystarts/
EXHIBITIONS, TRAINING, EVENTS & WORKSHOPS
Blick Summer Events
A series of workshops and gatherings for creatives held in our Malone Studios
Blick Summer Think – Together We Can Figure It Out – Designing your Story to Wow the World
An afternoon of thinking, idea development & connecting with other creatives
Date: Fri 4th August
Time: 3.30 – 5.30pm
Blick Summer Learn
A series of workshops on defining and writing your creative story
Dates: Sat 5th, 12th & 19th August
Time: 2.30 – 5.00pm
Blick Summer Creative Club
Providing space and support for you to work on your creative idea
Dates: Sat 5th, 12th & 19th August
Time: 10.00am – 2.00pm
Blick Summer Make
An afternoon of making & connecting with other creatives hosted by jewery designer Lynda Thompson-Spack owner of Fred Loves Ginger
Date: Sun 6th August
Time: 3.00 – 5.00pm
Blick Summer Meet
Summer get-together for creatives to gain inspiration and connect with other like-minded creatives.
Theme: ‘Courage’
Speakers: Kerrie McNeill Designer and Illustrator
Caroline Baker Founder of Little Fox Belfast
Date: Wed 23rd August
Time: 8.00 – 9.30pm
More info: https://www.blickstudios.org/workshops-and-events/
Eastside Arts Festival
Across 11 days they will be celebrating the reputation of East Belfast as a place where the arts have flourished, and with a live music scene that is unrivalled.
Dates: 27th July – 6th August
Venue: various
More info: https://www.eastsidearts.net/
Linen Biennale
Join Belfast Print Workshop for an extraordinary celebration of art and heritage as they proudly host the Linen Biennale 2023. From August 3rd to August 31st, their studio and gallery will come alive with an exhibition showcasing the intricate beauty of linen through the creative lens of talented artists. Throughout the month, they will also be featuring guest speakers and exciting demonstrations, offering you a unique opportunity to gain insights into the creative process and techniques behind this remarkable medium.
Dates: 3rd – 31st August
Venue: Belfast Print Workshop
More info: https://bpw.org.uk/events/linen-biennale-2023 https://www.linenbiennalenorthernireland.com/
August Craft Month
August Craft Month, Ireland’s unique celebration of the craft sector, providing opportunities for all to learn about, make, see and buy craft!
Dates: throughout August
Venue: various
More info: https://augustcraftmonth.org/
Intro to Brand Storytelling Basics: How to build authentic thought-leadership
In this online event you will explore…What does it mean to be an authentic thought-leader and why it matters? Most effective ways in which organizations, entrepreneurs, and small businesses can become thought-leaders in their areas, Holding space for diversity and inclusion, and more.
Date: July 3rd
Time: 12.00pm EDT
Venue: online
More info: https://creativemornings.com
Usfolk’s Big Queer Art Show
A celebration of Queer Art by Usfolk Illustration Agency
Date: Opening Fri 21st July
Venue: 2 Royal Avenue
More info: https://www.instagram.com/usfolkillustrate/
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We are delighted to have a mini exhibition space, including great street windows in our new Great Northern Street Studios! Which will give us space to showcase some of our projects, allowing passing members of the public and visitors to our studio to find out a bit more about the creative industry in Belfast.
The first work we are showcasing is the work from the Sustainable Pop Up Design Museum we helped organise in collaboration with @belfastdesignwk for the REact Festival in November.
Feb 20
Join us on Wednesday, 19th March, for our next Blick Creative Talk featuring Juliette El Fouly founder of Le Contour contemporary candle company - @lecontourcandles
About Juliette:
“I began my journey in lockdown of 2020 where, like many of us, I experienced first-hand the importance of being surrounded by things that enrich and encourage us in our day to day lives – namely in our home. This is what prompted the creation of my very first collection, designed to empower women and inclusively celebrate the female form. An ethos I am proud to align my brand to.”
In this talk, Juliette will share her creative story, including the highs and lows and some of the lessons she has learned along the way!
You can find out more about Juliette on her website lecontour.co.uk and follow her on Instagram at @lecontourcandles
EVENT DETAILS
Event Date(s): March 19, 2025
Event Time: 7pm-8pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free
Sign up now for your free ticket on the events page of our website (link in profile)!
Feb 19
Thanks to everyone who joined us last Wednesday evening for our creative talk with the wonderful Ian Pitt founder and creative director of @mehimandherdesign
We have loads of great talks and workshops coming up over the next few months, keep an eye on our website and socials for more info!
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Feb 14
AVAILABLE WORKSPACE
We currently have 2 dedicated adjacent deskspaces available in our Cotton Court Studios £125 per calendar month all inclusive (rates, utilities, broadband) per desk or £225 for both desks. Email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing or visit our website for more info
Feb 11
Creative Skills Workshop – How to DIY your brand (and the common mistakes to avoid)
Join us on Wednesday, 12th March, for this free creative skills workshop all about branding your creative business. This workshop will be hosted by Laura Whitehouse founder of @mightyfinedesign
ABOUT LAURA:
Hello! I run a small graphic design agency (read: one person, a dog, and lots of lovely contractors) based in Bangor. I specialise in work for arts organisations, small businesses looking to grow, and a smattering of TV and Film projects, with clients across the UK ranging from garden designers, marketers, and voiceover artists through to behemoths such as Sky, Netflix, the BBC, and Marvel.
I graduated in 2012 with a BA in Archaeology and Anthropology, not exactly, a natural path to becoming a designer, and so my relationship with design began as illicit rendezvous with internships and local theatre productions, tinkering with posters and bothering people for work. I snuck my way into a Proper Grown-Up Agency after university in 2015, and another a few years later, working with bigger fish, bigger briefs, and balancing freelance work on the side until going fully self-employed in the glorious year that was 2020.
I’m now known as Mighty Fine Design, and alongside my own skills I’ve got a little black book of talented Junior Designers, Copywriters, Marketers, Social Media Whizzes, Photographers, and Set Designers to bring jobs to life: no matter what the size.
You can find out more about Laura on her website: https://www.laurawhitehouse.com/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mightyfinedesign/
EVENT DETAILS
Event Date(s): March 12, 2025
Event Time: 7pm - 9pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill St, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free
Sign up now for your free ticket! Link below and in our profile ✨️
https://blickstudios.org/events/nurture-creative-workshop/
Feb 10
�Really looking forward to Ian Pitt �@mehimandherdesign�`s talk this Wednesday evening! Just 2 tickets left which you can book for free on our website!
Feb 4
Just a few tickets left for our creative talk this Wednesday evening with Ian Pitt, founder and creative director of Me,Him& Her Design Studio!
With nearly 30 years of experience in design, Ian’s career began in the retail sector before co-founding his own studio in 2007. Over the past 18 years, Me,Him&Her has developed a reputation for its multidisciplinary approach, crafting brand identities that come to life across digital, print, and physical spaces.
Their client base spans multinational corporations (ASOS, Virgin), SME’s and startups, all with a focus on creating meaningful, engaging brand experiences. Across branding, graphics, signage, interiors, or exhibitions, the studio balances creativity with commercial impact.
In this talk, Ian will share insights from his creative journey, exploring key projects, lessons learned, and the realities of running an independent design studio — from the highs of creative freedom to the challenges he’s found running his own business.
Discover more about Ian and his work at mehimandher.com and follow the studio on Instagram at @mehimandherdesign
EVENT DETAILS
Event Date(s): February 5, 2025
Event Time: 7pm - 8pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill St, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free
Sign up now for your free ticket (link below or in profile)
https://blickstudios.org/events/nurture-creative-talk-2/
Feb 3
Some weekend reading part 2! Ahead of his talk for us this Wednesday
evening Ian Pitt, founder and creative director of Me,Him&Her Design
Studio has done a brilliant interview for us that you can read now on
the blog on our website link in profile or below ✨️
https://blickstudios.org/blog/an-interview-with-ian-pitt-founder-and-creative-director-of-mehimher-design-studio/
You can also still book a free ticket on the events page of our website!
EVENT DETAILS
Event Date(s): February 5, 2025
Event Time: 7pm - 8pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill St, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free
Sign up now for your free ticket!
https://blickstudios.org/events/nurture-creative-talk-2/
Feb 2
Some weekend reading! Ahead of his talk for us this Wednesday evening Ian Pitt founder and creative director of Me,Him&Her Design Studio has done a brilliant interview for us that you can read now on the blog on our website (link in profile) or over the next two days here on Instagram ✨️
You can still book a free ticket on the events page of our website!
EVENT DETAILS
Event Date(s): February 5, 2025
Event Time: 7pm - 8pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill St, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free
Sign up now for your free ticket!
https://blickstudios.org/events/nurture-creative-talk-2/
Feb 1
It`s the last day of January. There`s still time to reflect on your plans and ambitions for your creative practice for the year ahead. Here`s some journal prompts to help you get started!
What would the best next year look like for you in your creative practice?
What would you create, experience, and accomplish in your creative practice over the next 12 months to make it the best year of your life? Dream Big, but also include the details
Also available as downloadable Word and PDF documents on our website link in profile and below 🌼 🌸 🌻
https://blickstudios.org/resources/12331/
Jan 31
Ahead of Ian Pitt, founder and creative director of Me,Him&Her`s creative talk for us next Wednesday evening, we are sharing with you some examples of his work for clients, including:
�- �Promotional work for The English National Opera gallery show “Under The Skin”
�- �Branding for the depot_ a mixed use gallery/work and event space, East London
�- �Interior work for Sony Music
�- �Branding, placemaking, and wayfinding for Leavesden Park, Watford
�- �Show catalogue for “Change Everything - Art as Protest” curated by Anthony Burrill and the depot_
- �FCUKFM. Live radio station installation broadcasting from French Connection store windows Regent Street
With nearly 30 years of experience in design, Ian’s career began in the retail sector before co-founding his own studio in 2007. Over the past 18 years, Me,Him&Her has developed a reputation for its multidisciplinary approach, crafting brand identities that come to life across digital, print, and physical spaces.
Their client base spans multinational corporations (ASOS, Virgin), SME’s and startups, all with a focus on creating meaningful, engaging brand experiences. Across branding, graphics, signage, interiors, or exhibitions, the studio balances creativity with commercial impact.
In this talk, Ian will share insights from his creative journey, exploring key projects, lessons learned, and the realities of running an independent design studio — from the highs of creative freedom to the challenges he’s found running his own business.
Discover more about Ian and his work at mehimandher.com and follow the studio on Instagram at @mehimandherdesign
�EVENT DETAILS��
��Event Date(s): February 5, 2025
Event Time: 7pm - 8pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill St, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free
Sign up now for your free ticket!
��https://blickstudios.org/events/nurture-creative-talk-2/�������
Jan 30
We currently have 2 dedicated deskspaces available in our Cotton Court Studios £125 each per calendar month email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing or visit our website for more info!
Jan 29
As we approach the end of the first month of a new year here are some journal prompts to help you refine your creative idea by reflecting on your current creative practice over the past year.
Reflect on the area of your creative practice you have experienced the most growth this year. What have you learned, and how have you evolved in that part of your life?
What are you proud of or deeply grateful for this year in your creative practice? List everything that comes to mind big or small
You can also download the journal prompts as a PDF or Word document on the creative resources section of our website (link in profile)
Jan 28
What a miserable Sunday, but for anyone working on a new creative business idea, or looking to change their current creative business model or make some changes in their life it`s the perfect weather for staying indoors and doing some gentle reflection. We have put together some (hopefully) useful journal prompts to help you get started!
You can also download this exercise as a pdf or word document from the resources section on our website ✨️(link in profile)
Jan 26
Looking forward to our first creative talk of 2025 on Wednesday, 5th February with Ian Pitt, founder and Creative Director of the London - and Belfast-based design studio Me,Him&Her. @mehimandherdesign
With nearly 30 years of experience in design, Ian’s career began in the retail sector before co-founding his own studio in 2007. Over the past 18 years, Me,Him&Her has developed a reputation for its multidisciplinary approach, crafting brand identities that come to life across digital, print, and physical spaces.
Their client base spans multinational corporations (ASOS, Virgin), SME’s and startups, all with a focus on creating meaningful, engaging brand experiences. Across branding, graphics, signage, interiors, or exhibitions, the studio balances creativity with commercial impact.
In this talk, Ian will share insights from his creative journey, exploring key projects, lessons learned, and the realities of running an independent design studio — from the highs of creative freedom to the challenges he’s found running his own business.
Discover more about Ian and his work at mehimandher.com and follow the studio on Instagram at @mehimandherdesign
Event details:
Event Date(s): February 5, 2025
Event Time: 7pm - 8pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill St, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free
Book your free ticket on our website ✨️ (link in profile)
Jan 22
Creative Skills Workshop – Branding Your Creative Business
Join us on Wednesday, 12th March, for this free creative skills workshop all about branding your creative business!
Event Date(s): March 12, 2025
Event Time: 7pm - 9pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill St, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free
Full workshop details and facilitator info coming soon!
Sign up now for your free ticket! (Link in profile)
Event Date(s): March 12, 2025
Event Time: 7pm - 9pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill St, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free
Jan 21
Blue skies & loads of light & amazing shadows in our Great Northern Street Studios on this lovely sunny Friday 💙 🌞 ☀️ 🌤
Jan 17
Great workshop yesterday in our Great Northern Street Studios on - ``creative purpose, values, vision and mission` with our Nurture Program participants @verahylands and @bethanysmillican . Many thanks to @itsaullovin founder of @yeomagazine for being our guest and sharing his thoughts and experiences!
Jan 16
We are super excited to have Ian Pitt, founder and Creative Director of the London – and Belfast-based design studio Me,Him&Her. sharing his creative story at our next Creative Talk on Wednesday 5th February!
With nearly 30 years of experience in design, Ian’s career began in the retail sector before co-founding his own studio in 2007. Over the past 18 years, Me,Him&Her has developed a reputation for its multidisciplinary approach, crafting brand identities that come to life across digital, print, and physical spaces.
Their client base spans multinational corporations (ASOS, Virgin), SME’s and startups, all with a focus on creating meaningful, engaging brand experiences. Across branding, graphics, signage, interiors, or exhibitions, the studio balances creativity with commercial impact.
In this talk, Ian will share insights from his creative journey, exploring key projects, lessons learned, and the realities of running an independent design studio — from the highs of creative freedom to the challenges he’s found running his own business.
Discover more about Ian and his work at mehimandher.com and follow the studio on Instagram at @mehimandherdesign
EVENT DETAILS
Event Date(s): February 5, 2025
Event Time: 7pm - 8pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill St, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free
Sign up now for your free ticket on our website (link in profile) 🌟 🌟 🌟
Jan 14
