Creative Roundup
Our latest roundup of funding, support, opportunities, events, exhibitions and festivals for NI creatives.
Closing date: 1st June
The Design Academy is developed in collaboration between VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub and Zalando with the aim to use the power of community to foster positive, long-lasting transformations within the fashion industry. This third edition of the Design Academy will focus on developing creative and fashionable solutions for the disabled community.
The educational program consists of sixteen weeks of remote and in-person training split into two phases: during the first eight weeks, 100 selected talents will delve into themes such as sustainability, branding and business modeling with emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility.
In the second phase, the 10 most outstanding designers will be awarded with a scholarship for an eight-week design sprint with two weeks in-person residency in Berlin, where they will be mentored by industry experts in adaptive fashion design, sustainable design systems and digital technologies with emphasis on 3D design and manufacturing.
The journey will culminate at the Berlin Fashion Week 2025, where the finalists will have the opportunity to present their creations in a showcase exhibition.
Deadline: 10th June 2024
Designed specifically to help micro, small and medium-sized local enterprises, Ambition to Grow supports businesses to create good jobs, innovate their processes and sell their products or services outside Northern Ireland.
Successful applicants can receive up to £45,000, broken down as follows:
Up to £30,000 towards creating new employment.
Up to £10,000 towards market, product or skills development.
Up to £5,000 upon completion of an Export Health Check, Export Marketing Plan and Innovate NI Self-Assessment.
In the aftermath of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the city of Kharkiv is facing the daunting task of rebuilding its urban fabric. Now, an international architecture competition is offering a glimmer of hope for the city’s recovery.
Student Invent is an annual pitching competition sponsored by Ulster University and SU Enterprise at Queen’s Student Union, with headline partner Bank of Ireland where ambitious students pitch to win a cash prize and accelerate the development of their innovative idea.
As a part of Catalyst’s INVENT competition students will have the opportunity to be showcased to the world on an international platform at the INVENT 2024 awards. Student’s have the opportunity to win a share of the £2,500 prize pot.
NI visual artists invited to apply for artist residency in Frac Grand Large/ Hauts-de-France Dunkirk, as part of Magnetic 3
Deadline: 15th July
Northern Ireland Screen is now seeking feature film scripts to develop for its New Writer Focus scheme 2024-2025.
The scheme is only open to Northern Ireland resident writers new to feature film. They are not taking applications for TV drama or comedy, this is for feature film scripts only.
Deadline: Midnight, Sunday 23rd June 2024.
Northern Ireland Screen has been awarded Lottery Funds through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and BFI NETWORK to support the production of Short Film at both Individual and Company level.
Funding is available at individual and production company level to produce live action, factual and virtual reality short films normally up to 15 minutes in length.
The call for company applications closes on Friday 7th June 2024
The call for individual applications closes on Friday 19th July 2024
Funding Levels
Individuals can apply for a funding award of £6,000.
Companies can apply for a funding award of either £12,500, £17,500 or £22,500.
August Craft Month is a unique celebration of craft across the island of Ireland, offering exciting opportunities for the public to experience, participate in, purchase, and learn about craft. Supported and promoted by Craft NI and Design & Crafts Council Ireland, August Craft Month is a collaborative effort to showcase the best of craftsmanship found across the island.
The deadline for entry is Friday June 14th
Craft NI is the sector lead body for Craft in Northern Ireland. Our Gallery is located on Royal Avenue in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and showcases a wide range of quality craft and applied art by local designer-makers.
Deadline: June 5, 2024
The RHA School in partnership with Áras Éanna are delighted to offer a residency on Inis Oírr for the month of July.
Applications are welcomed from artists to come and live and work on Inis Oírr and with up to ten residencies provided each year. Each residency includes an on-site private apartment and a self-contained studio, and access to the centre’s galleries and theatre. The successful applicant will receive a €1000 stipend funded by Ealaín na Gaeltachta.
Deadline: June 9, 2024
Are you an artist and passionate about sustainability? Apply now for one of our residencies and collaborate with experts to tackle water challenges through art and technology.
Deadline: June 26, 2024.
Budget: 40.000€ per residency.
The RUA Annual Exhibition is open for applications. The exhibition provides a unique platform for acclaimed artists and emerging talent to showcase their artwork. The 143rd Annual Exhibition will run at the Ulster Museum, Belfast from 18th October 2024 to 6th January 2025.
The Royal Ulster Academy welcomes submissions from emerging and established artists across the disciplines of the visual arts. Initial Submissions should be made online.
Deadline: July 13, 2024
The summer Belfast Potter’s Market will take place on Saturday 10th August at 10am – 5pm in 2 Royal Avenue.Up to 40 Of Ireland’s top potters and sculptors will be gathered together to exhibit and of course sell their beautiful pottery!
Deadline: 10th June at 11.59pm.
These awards enable individual artists and established music groups (up to 2 members) to travel from Northern Ireland to develop their skills and expertise.
Deadline: Rolling programme
- Northern Ireland Screen Writing for Readers – Screenwriting with Steve Brooks via Zoom
To help writers prepare their application for the New Writer Focus Fund, Northern Ireland Screen will run an on-line screenwriting seminar.
Mr Brookes is a freelance script consultant whose career has focused on working on British independent feature films. He worked for the British Film Institute for many years and has had a long association with Northern Ireland Screen.
Date: Wednesday 29th May
Time: 12pm- 2pm
RSVP: Chloe@ northernirelandscreen.co.uk
Make something happen THIS MONTH If you’re a creative doer who would like accountability from great humans to do the damn thing, this goal planning party with Groove is for you!
Date: May 30, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM EDT
Location: Online
You’ll leave this FieldTrip with some new considerations to help you start building a safer experience on social media.
Date: Jun 3, 2024
Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM EDT
Location: Online
Saul Duffin founder of YEO magazine will share his story.
Date: Wed 5th June
Time: 7pm
Location: Blick Studios, 46 Hill St
An introduction to creative captions and how to create them. As well as being an accessibility tool, captioning can also serve as an artistic tool to enhance the world you are creating within your performance or artistic practice. You will learn how to use free software such as PowerPoint and Canva with great impact.
Date: 6 June 2024
Time: 10.30am – 4.30pm
Location: Ledger Studio, University of Atypical, 109-113 Royal Avenue, Belfast BT1 1FF
Don’t miss Catalyst’s latest “The Circle” session. This free session, led by expert facilitator Sandra Lee, will dive into Imposter Syndrome, its origins, and strategies for overcoming it. Connect with others who share similar experiences and expand your professional network.
Date: Wednesday 12th June
Time: 6 – 8pm
Location: Oh Yeah Centre
Date: Thursday 13th June
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Location: Innovation Factory Forthriver Business Park, 385 Springfield Road, Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
Set up your own creative online platform and learn how to monetise it! The Masterclass will boost your confidence in creating a prominent creative profile online. This Masterclass will present a safe space for you to explore this experience and how to tackle this new challenge. Before you know it, you will be creating content for your platform like a pro.
Date: 13 June 2024
Time: 10.30am – 4.30pm
Location: Ledger Studio, University of Atypical, 109-113 Royal Avenue, Belfast BT1 1FF
Talks for creative women
Date: Sat 15th June
Time: 11.30am
Location: Blick Studios, 46 Hill Street
The event will also be an opportunity to find out more about the Executive MBA at Ulster University; your gateway to becoming a high-performing leader.
Date: Wednesday, 19 June
Venue: Ulster University, York Street, Belfast
Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Dates: 23rd May to 2nd June
Location: The Naughton Gallery
This exhibition is an ongoing body of work by Chad Alexander. The series was created in Belfast and centres on people, predominantly men, and urban spaces the artist knows personally or has encountered by chance.
Dates: 2nd May to 29th June
This group exhibition features sculpture, installation, painting, photography, audio and film made in the past six years that represents some of the most exciting contemporary practices in Northern Ireland today
Dates: 26th April – 21st July
Location: The MAC
Dates: 7th June The 175 Degree Show Opening Night
8th – 22nd June The 175 Degree Show
Dates: 6 to 13 June
Dates: 25 July to 4 Aug
Share article:
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!
--
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
