Creative Roundup April
Our latest roundup of funding, support, opportunities, events, exhibitions and festivals for creatives
As part of Augment the City Challenge, Belfast City Council is looking for creative technology innovators to develop concepts and proposals which will use innovative immersive and digital technologies to gather, curate and present stories about Belfast and its people.
The full challenge brief, criteria and application form will be published on 15 April 2024.
Starting on June 1st 2024 and funded by the German Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media and Berlin Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion, the CIRCE Fellowship programme will commission 10 pilot projects bringing creative impact into practice. We seek passionate individuals committed to innovating on four main topics: Communities & Care; Sustainability & Environment; and Democracy & Participation.
Deadline: Apply by April 16th
A grant for new international work from Speaking Volumes and the British Council
Four grants of £7,000 GBP are available
Deadline: 12th April
The DTFF aims to help small and micro businesses in Northern Ireland to invest in advanced digital technologies. It establishes a grant fund to support eligible businesses with investments in capital equipment that is critical to achieving their digital transformation ambitions.
Invest Northern Ireland has launched its new accelerator programme Founder Labs. It’s a programme of support to help early-stage, technology-based, start-up businesses and entrepreneurs become global businesses of the future.
Each start-up on the programme will benefit from six months of intensive one to one mentoring, workshops and events with industry experts and access to shared workspace. The programme also includes international study visits to explore global opportunities and the chance to pitch to local and international investors.
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £25 million for game-changing and commercially viable R&D innovations that can significantly impact the UK economy. This funding is from Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation.
Deadline: April 24th
STRYVE is a unique programme for 16 – 25 year olds that will inspire, up-skill and prepare them for the jobs of the future. They help you gain leadership and creative media qualifications, receive training in creative problem solving, design thinking and entrepreneurship, alongside providing tailored work experience with a path to employment.
INVENT is an annual competition organised by Catalyst with headline partner Bank of Ireland, that celebrates our most exciting entrepreneurs and innovations, giving them an international platform and support to make the greatest impact. Apply today to be in the chance of winning a share of the £55,000 prize fund.
Meet other creatives for lunch
DAS is excited to announce the launch of a new XR Lab. The Lab is aimed at artists and creatives who wish to learn, explore, and develop their creative practice using XR technologies regardless of their background or level of experience. We are currently inviting artists to register their interest in participating.
Craft NI is delighted to partner with Antrim & Newtownabbey Council and Garden Show Ireland for a second time to bring contemporary local craft makers to this annual outdoor celebration of plants and gardens.
Women in Business Female Founders Grant Competition returns for a third year in partnership with Techstart Grants.Whether you have an innovative business idea or an established business that is looking to explore a new product or market, you could receive a grant of up to £35k and mentoring support through our Centre of Learning to drive your passion forward.
Closing date: Tuesday 30th April 2024 @ 5pm
DCMS has announced an additional £5 million for the UK Games Fund as part of the Creative Industries Sector Vision – a joint plan between Government and industry to drive growth, build talent and develop skills across the creative sectors. This new funding will offer £50,000 – £150,000 commercial games-for-entertainment content grants.
Do you have a world-changing idea? If you’re aged 16–25, we want to hear your big idea and give you the chance to bring it to life at Sir Isaac Newton’s home, where he discovered gravity.If you’re chosen, you’ll win an award up to the equivalent value of £5,000.
A collaboration built to empower indie VR developers and supplement other funding sources.
The programme supports individual UK small to medium sized companies wanting to explore and access Horizon Europe collaborative research and innovation opportunities.
This £1 million grants programme supports the creation of new cultural collaborations between UK artists, arts professionals and organisations and their peers around the world.
Closing date: 30 April 2024, 23.59 (GMT)
To get involved, submit your poetry or any questions you may have to Toby.buckley@belfastpride.com for more info today!
You can volunteer either as a Volunteer in Creative Influencers (ages 18-25) OR Work Experience (open to ages 18+). Information is below.
This call is open to European and International projects for the following categories:
• Fiction and Documentary Feature Films: up to 27/33 feature films and international narrative or creative feature documentaries, including 3 Biennale College Cinema Projects, from all over the world will be selected. There is no genre limitation and animation feature films are welcome;
• Immersive Projects: up to 10/12 immersive projects from all over the world will be selected.
Deadline: 3rd May 2024
- Ringside, an exhibition of drawings and paintings by award-winning artist, Sean McGibbon, celebrating Belfast’s boxing culture.
Venue: Ormeau Baths Belfast
Date: 18 April at 6.00pm
Venue: The MAC
Dates: 8 Dec 2023 – 7 Apr 2024
Venue: Ulster Museum
Dates: 23rd Feb- 9th Jun 2024
Northern Ireland’s 11 local councils, in partnership with the UK Government through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), have launched the new NI Business Support Service, Go Succeed. As part of the programme, there are a number of upcoming events for businesses.
Go Succeed: Access to Finance
Thursday 4 April 2024, 10am to 12:30pm, online
Go Succeed Grow: Using LinkedIn to Grow your Sales
Wednesday 10 April 2024, 1pm to 2pm, online
Go Succeed Grow: Perfecting your Pitch
Thursday 11 April 2024, 10am to midday, online
Selling Skills
Tuesday 16 April 2024, 10am to 12:30pm, Omagh Enterprise
Bolstering Your Start Up – Women Founders Networking Series – 17 April 2024
Wednesday 17 April 2024, 10am to 11:30am, online
Influencer Marketing for your Business
Wednesday 17 April 2024, 1pm to 2pm, online
Building A Sustainable Start-Up
Thursday 18 April 2024, 10am to midday, South West College (Omagh Campus)
Strategy & Business Planning
Thursday 18 April 2024, 10am to 12:30pm, online
Go Succeed: Support to Export – Sources of Help to Get You Started
Tuesday 23 April 2024, 10am to 12:30pm, Ormeau Business Park
Go Succeed: Start to Sell Online through Shopify
Wednesday 24 April 2024, 1pm to 2pm, online
Enterprise Support Clinic – 26 April 2024
Friday 26 April 2024, 11am to 1pm, Craigavon Industrial Development Organisation
Using Canva for Digital Design
Wednesday 8 May 2024, 1pm to 2pm, online
Google Ads for your Business
Thursday 23 May 2024, 10am to 12:30pm, online
B2B Sales Tactics: Identifying Leads, Prospecting and Converting
Wednesday 29 May 2024, 1pm to 2pm, online
Emerging Social Media Trends in 2024
Wednesday 10 July 2024, 1pm to 2pm, online
Date: Wed 17th Apr
Time: 7pm
Venue: Blick Studios Hill St
Location: Pollen Studios
Date and time: 4th April 6-9pm
Join Sarah Ellis, award-winning producer and Director of Digital Development at the Royal Shakespeare Company for a public lecture exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Future of Live Experience.
Date and time: 10 April, 3pm – 5pm
Location: online
Date and time: 10 April, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Online
Presenters from Edinburgh Napier Uni and VR Tonung discuss 360 sound design, followed by a roundup of interesting R&D in XR and sound.
Date and time: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 14:00 – 15:15 BST
Location: Online
Local arts and makers market
Dates and times: Saturday 20th and Sunday 28th April, 11am to 3pm
Location: Black Box Belfast
Monthly market made up of local artisan producers, makers, growers, vintage and curios.
Date and time: Sun 28th April 1pm to 5pm
Location: Banana Block
Dates: 10 to 27 Apr
Seedhead Arts, with support from Hennessy NI, is getting ready to make a ‘splash’ as they reveal the date of Ireland’s biggest street art festival
Dates: 20th – 30th April
Dates: 2 to 12 May
This programme will see the city come to life with creative projects, events and civic initiatives taking place across Belfast throughout the year.
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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
