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Creative Roundup

Published: May 27, 2024

Our latest roundup of funding, support, opportunities, events, exhibitions and festivals for NI creatives.


  • Sailortown Festival Smartphone Photography Exhibition

Closing date: 1st June

  • Design Academy Adapt

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

 

  • Ambition to Grow Programme

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.

 

  • Design Competition Ukraine

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

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.

 

  • Artist Residency Frac Grand Large/ Hauts-de-France Dunkirk

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 New Writer Focus

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 Short Film Call

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.

  • Applications Open: August Craft Month 2024

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 Gallery Maker Call Out 2024

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

 

  • Áras Éanna Residency

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

 

  • Digital Arts Studios STARTS4WATERII Residencies – Open call for artists

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.

 

  • 143rd RUA Annual Exhibition

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

 

  • Belfast Potters market Applications Open

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.

 

  • The National Lottery Support for Individual Artists Programme – Travel Awards

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

 

  • Goal Planning with Groove: Get The Damn Thing Done! with Taylor Harrington and Groove

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

 

  • Social Media Safety for Creatives and Professionals with Jerrod Lew

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

  • Blick Academy Creative Talk: Saul Duffin Founder of YEO Magazine

Saul Duffin founder of YEO magazine will share his story.

Date: Wed 5th June

Time: 7pm

Location: Blick Studios, 46 Hill St

 

  • Digital Horizon Masterclass: “Integrating Captioning into Creative Work” with Porcelain Delaney 

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

 

  • The Circle: Let’s Talk About Imposter Syndrome

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

 

  • The Power of Podcasting

Date: Thursday 13th June
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Location: Innovation Factory Forthriver Business Park, 385 Springfield Road, Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom

 

  • Digital Horizon Masterclass: “Build your own Online Platform” with Simon Jay 

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

 

  • Womenfolk JUNIOR.SENIOR

Talks for creative women

Date: Sat 15th June

Time: 11.30am

Location: Blick Studios, 46 Hill Street

 

  • An evening with Brendan Mooney MBE

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


  • Usfolk 6

Dates: 23rd May to 2nd June

Location: The Naughton Gallery

 

  • “Inquiry” – Chad Alexander 

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

 

  • mother tongue 

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

 

  • Belfast School of Art 175 Degree Shows

Dates: 7th June The 175 Degree Show Opening Night

8th – 22nd June The 175 Degree Show


  • Belfast Book Festival 2024 

Dates: 6 to 13 June

 

  • Eastside Arts Festival 2024 

Dates: 25 July to 4 Aug

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Belfast Community Plant Library Team Plant Stories - David Keys Woodworker

Here we get to meet some of the team behind the project and find out about their love of plants and why they wanted to get involved. Today hearing from @d.keyssustainablewoodworking woodworker and creator of the interactive plant installation that will feature in Friday`s Community Plant Library event at Culture Night. The installation has been thoughtfully designed as a living evolving space, using sustainable materials so passersby can interact with the installation adding and taking away plants throughout the event

Sep 14

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18100013258629136
Belfast Community Plant Library Team Plant Stories - David Keys Woodworker

Here we get to meet some of the team behind the project and find out about their love of plants and why they wanted to get involved. Today hearing from @d.keyssustainablewoodworking woodworker and creator of the interactive plant installation that will feature in Friday's Community Plant Library event at Culture Night. The installation has been thoughtfully designed as a living evolving space, using sustainable materials so passersby can interact with the installation adding and taking away plants throughout the event

COMMUNITY PLANT LIBRARY PLANT CLINIC

A special Culture Night drop-in plant clinic with local plant expert @jillydougan is happening this Friday at Bankmore Square as part of our Community Plant Library event.

Jilly will be sharing her knowledge on edible plants, engaging with the public and answering people’s questions on growing and caring for edible plants.

Come along to Bankmore Square on Friday to get some free samples and learn more about plants 🪴 🌱 🌿 🌾 🌵

Sep 14

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18281120473288450
COMMUNITY PLANT LIBRARY PLANT CLINIC

A special Culture Night drop-in plant clinic with local plant expert @jillydougan is happening this Friday at Bankmore Square as part of our Community Plant Library event. 

Jilly will be sharing her knowledge on edible plants, engaging with the public and answering people’s questions on growing and caring for edible plants.

Come along to Bankmore Square on Friday to get some free samples and learn more about plants 🪴 🌱 🌿 🌾 🌵

Belfast Community Plant Library Team Plant Stories - Gardener @jillydougan

Here we get to meet some of the team behind the project and find out about their love of plants and why they wanted to get involved. Starting with gardener @jillydougan who will be hosting a plant clinic for us as part of our event at Culture Night this Friday evening at Bankmore Square

Sep 13

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18488181982096350
Belfast Community Plant Library Team Plant Stories - Gardener @jillydougan

Here we get to meet some of the team behind the project and find out about their love of plants and why they wanted to get involved. Starting with gardener @jillydougan who will be hosting a plant clinic for us as part of our event at Culture Night this Friday evening at Bankmore Square

The Belfast Community Plant Library is a collaborative initiative that connects people, place, plants and creativity.

The Belfast Community Plant Library will pop up at Bankmore Square during Culture Night Belfast 2026 (Friday 18th September, 4pm onwards) and will feature an interactive design installation, workshops and of course, the plant library!

There will also be lots of plant freebies, including Belfast Plant Map, a special zine giveaway, seeds and plants as well as the following activities.

INTERACTIVE PLANT FURNITURE INSTALLTION

At the heart of the project will be an interactive design installation. Designed as a living, evolving space, the installation will invite participation from the public.

The structure will be sustainably manufactured by David Keys Woodworker using environmentally responsible materials.�

PLANT CLINIC

A special Culture Night drop-in plant clinic with local plant expert Jilly Dougan engaging with the public and answering people’s questions on plants and growing and caring for edible plants.

CO-DESIGN WORKSHOP

A community co-design workshop led by One Bite Design Studio will bring together event attendees to collectively shape and build the installation. Participants will be encouraged to contribute plants alongside stories and memories that reflect Belfast’s relationship with plant life and place.

So… come along to learn more about plants, growing and to take, share and swap plants.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Friday 18th September
Time: from 4pm
Venue: Bankmore Square

Everyone is welcome and no advance booking is required.

Sep 13

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17888972244613366
The Belfast Community Plant Library is a collaborative initiative that connects people, place, plants and creativity.

The Belfast Community Plant Library will pop up at Bankmore Square during Culture Night Belfast 2026 (Friday 18th September, 4pm onwards) and will feature an interactive design installation, workshops and of course, the plant library!

There will also be lots of plant freebies, including Belfast Plant Map, a special zine giveaway, seeds and plants as well as the following activities.

INTERACTIVE PLANT FURNITURE INSTALLTION

At the heart of the project will be an interactive design installation. Designed as a living, evolving space, the installation will invite participation from the public.

The structure will be sustainably manufactured by David Keys Woodworker using environmentally responsible materials.�

PLANT CLINIC

A special Culture Night drop-in plant clinic with local plant expert Jilly Dougan engaging with the public and answering people’s questions on plants and growing and caring for edible plants.

CO-DESIGN WORKSHOP

A community co-design workshop led by One Bite Design Studio will bring together event attendees to collectively shape and build the installation. Participants will be encouraged to contribute plants alongside stories and memories that reflect Belfast’s relationship with plant life and place.

So… come along to learn more about plants, growing and to take, share and swap plants.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Friday 18th September
Time: from 4pm
Venue: Bankmore Square

Everyone is welcome and no advance booking is required.

Belfast Plant Stories - Biggest or Silliest Plant Care Mistakes

Ahead of our Community Plant Library event at Culture Night next Friday we asked the people of Belfast for their biggest or silliest plant care mistakes...

You can find details of the event on our website

Sep 13

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18078284870371429
Belfast Plant Stories - Biggest or Silliest Plant Care Mistakes

Ahead of our Community Plant Library event at Culture Night next Friday we asked the people of Belfast for their biggest or silliest plant care mistakes...

You can find details of the event on our website

Belfast Plant Stories - What’s your earliest plant memory?

We asked the people of Belfast what their earliest plant memories are.

Sep 11

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18106539812233421
Belfast Plant Stories - What’s your earliest plant memory?

We asked the people of Belfast what their earliest plant memories are.

Belfast Plant Stories - How Taking Care of Plants Makes You Feel

We asked the people of Belfast how taking care of a living green thing changes their mood and makes them feel

Sep 11

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17972645400133230
Belfast Plant Stories - How Taking Care of Plants Makes You Feel

We asked the people of Belfast how taking care of a living green thing changes their mood and makes them feel

How the idea for Belfast Community Plant Library came about after @karishmasworld and I (Christine) visited Hong Kong in 2024 to create a @belfastdesignwk design installation for the British Council Spark Festival.

When we were in Hong Kong we got a last minute invite to visit Alan Cheung in the beautiful @onebite.design studio and saw their Community Plant Library outside and instantly loved the idea of bringing something similar to Belfast.

As a follow on to our recent Grow Your Own Way project that was all about bringing designers and growers together to explore the potential of supporting residents in Belfast’s Botanic and Holylands areas to grow their own food within the city to improve their health and wellbeing.

We also thought the Plant Library was a great accessible, welcoming intervention that used plants to create new opportunities for interaction and improving wellbeing in the city and thought it would translate very well to Belfast.

We kept in touch and in 2025 Alan and his business partner Sarah Mui visited Belfast then later that year we worked together on our Islands of Design project for Irish Design Week, before finally in 2026 we have found the opportunity thanks to support from Belfast City Council to bring the project to Belfast at our next Design After Dark event during Culture Night on Friday 18th September where we will be at Bankmore Square from 4 - 10pm with lots of plant and design related activities including:

- See and interact with our plant library, bringing and taking away plants

- Share your plant stories and wishes and ideas for a greener Belfast

- Learn about how to care for and grow your own edible plants with our plant expert Jilly Dougan

- Learn how to make your own mini planters with Green: Remake

- Pick up a Belfast Plant Map and Zine, as well as some seeds and planting materials

And much more

This is a free drop-in event, just pop by and say hello!

Sep 9

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18077022308427145
How the idea for Belfast Community Plant Library came about after @karishmasworld and I (Christine) visited Hong Kong in 2024 to create a @belfastdesignwk design installation for the British Council Spark Festival. 

When we were in Hong Kong we got a last minute invite to visit Alan Cheung in the beautiful @onebite.design studio and saw their Community Plant Library outside and instantly loved the idea of bringing something similar to Belfast.

As a follow on to our recent Grow Your Own Way project that was all about bringing designers and growers together to explore the potential of supporting residents in Belfast’s Botanic and Holylands areas to grow their own food within the city to improve their health and wellbeing. 

We also thought the Plant Library was a great accessible, welcoming intervention that used plants to create new opportunities for interaction and improving wellbeing in the city and thought it would translate very well to Belfast.

We kept in touch and in 2025 Alan and his business partner Sarah Mui visited Belfast then later that year we worked together on our Islands of Design project for Irish Design Week, before finally in 2026 we have found the opportunity thanks to support from Belfast City Council to bring the project to Belfast at our next Design After Dark event during Culture Night on Friday 18th September where we will be at Bankmore Square from 4 - 10pm with lots of plant and design related activities including:

- See and interact with our plant library, bringing and taking away plants

- Share your plant stories and wishes and ideas for a greener Belfast

- Learn about how to care for and grow your own edible plants with our plant expert Jilly Dougan

- Learn how to make your own mini planters with Green: Remake

- Pick up a Belfast Plant Map and Zine, as well as some seeds and planting materials

And much more

This is a free drop-in event, just pop by and say hello!

Community Plant Library - Belfast Plant Stories

Exploring Belfast’s relationship with plant life and place through the plant stories of the local community. Plants in some shape or form are an important part of life for most people. Forming some of our earliest memories, helping the environment and positively impacting our health and wellbeing.

As part of the Community Plant Library project we have collected personal plant stories from people across Belfast to explore the different ways plants connect with our lives. On the run up to the event on Culture Night we will be sharing out some of these stories. Starting today by sharing the stories of some of the people from Belfast and why they love plants!

If you love plants let us know why?

Sep 7

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17991855099043755
Community Plant Library - Belfast Plant Stories

Exploring Belfast’s relationship with plant life and place through the plant stories of the local community. Plants in some shape or form are an important part of life for most people. Forming some of our earliest memories, helping the environment and positively impacting our health and wellbeing. 

As part of the Community Plant Library project we have collected personal plant stories from people across Belfast to explore the different ways plants connect with our lives. On the run up to the event on Culture Night we will be sharing out some of these stories. Starting today by sharing the stories of some of the people from Belfast and why they love plants!

If you love plants let us know why?

Design After Dark is an evening celebration of contemporary design in Belfast, delivered as part of @belfastdesignwk and Blick Shared Studios. The programme brings together workshops, talks, installations, studio tours, and exhibitions, offering something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

For our first Design After Dark series, we have curated a series of projects including Design Stories, Design Hothouse Residency, the Belfast Community Plant Library & Food Loves Design.

Join us at @culturenightbelfast on Friday 18th September for our interactive Community Plant Library event at Bankmore Square. More details coming soon!

Event artwork created by our very talented Design Hothouse Residents @rachelcowie_graphics and @beth_schmidt who will share details on the process behind their beautiful artwork in coming weeks.

Design After Dark is kindly sponsored by Belfast City Council

Sep 2

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18493212982097010
Design After Dark is an evening celebration of contemporary design in Belfast, delivered as part of @belfastdesignwk and Blick Shared Studios. The programme brings together workshops, talks, installations, studio tours, and exhibitions, offering something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

For our first Design After Dark series, we have curated a series of projects including Design Stories, Design Hothouse Residency, the Belfast Community Plant Library & Food Loves Design.

Join us at @culturenightbelfast on Friday 18th September for our interactive Community Plant Library event at Bankmore Square. More details coming soon!

Event artwork created by our very talented Design Hothouse Residents @rachelcowie_graphics and @beth_schmidt who will share details on the process behind their beautiful artwork in coming weeks.

Design After Dark is kindly sponsored by Belfast City Council

Our latest roundup of funding and opportunities for NI Creatives.

01. Business Innovation Grant

BIG helps support sole traders, micro-businesses and SMEs in Northern Ireland to develop and bring their innovation activities to market with a grant of up to £20,000.

Closing date: 4th September, 12 noon

 

02.Wear Her Story

Applications are now open for Wear Her Story, a free cross-border creative programme from Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) and Glow NI that will help young women aged 16 to 25 explore fashion, heritage, wellbeing and emerging digital technologies.

Closing date: 11th September

 

03. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Offering Visual Artist Residency Opportunity

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is offering a new residency, based at Down Arts Centre in Downpatrick from September 26 to April 27, 2026.

The opportunity is open to a visual artist to provide dedicated time and space to develop their creative practice while engaging with audiences and communities across the district.

Closing date: 9th September

 

04. National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme

You can apply for an award of between £500 and £10,000 for a project, which can last up to one year and can take place on any dates between 1 December 2026 and 30 November 2027.

Deadline: 24th September, 12noon

 

05. InvestNI Leadership and Capability

Develop your strategic leadership capability in order to take your business to new heights.

 

06. Creative Spark Residency Programme 2027

Creative Spark is pleased to offer three Artist-in-Residence opportunities designed to support artistic development, creative exchange, and engagement with our facilities and local community.

07. Creative Belfast Internship

The Belfast Buildings Trust, in partnership with leading cultural organisations, proudly presents the Creative Belfast Internship Programme- the second instalment of a six-month paid internship designed for young people aged 18-25 to gain meaningful experience within Belfast’s vibrant creative and cultural industries.

Deadline: 11th September 5pm

Full listings including links on our website blog

https://blickstudios.org/blog/

Sep 1

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18105739397264752
Our latest roundup of funding and opportunities for NI Creatives.

01. Business Innovation Grant

BIG helps support sole traders, micro-businesses and SMEs in Northern Ireland to develop and bring their innovation activities to market with a grant of up to £20,000.

Closing date: 4th September, 12 noon

 

02.Wear Her Story

Applications are now open for Wear Her Story, a free cross-border creative programme from Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) and Glow NI that will help young women aged 16 to 25 explore fashion, heritage, wellbeing and emerging digital technologies.

Closing date: 11th September

 

03. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Offering Visual Artist Residency Opportunity

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is offering a new residency, based at Down Arts Centre in Downpatrick from September 26 to April 27, 2026.

The opportunity is open to a visual artist to provide dedicated time and space to develop their creative practice while engaging with audiences and communities across the district.

Closing date: 9th September

 

04. National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme

You can apply for an award of between £500 and £10,000 for a project, which can last up to one year and can take place on any dates between 1 December 2026 and 30 November 2027.

Deadline: 24th September, 12noon

 

05. InvestNI Leadership and Capability

Develop your strategic leadership capability in order to take your business to new heights.

 

06. Creative Spark Residency Programme 2027

Creative Spark is pleased to offer three Artist-in-Residence opportunities designed to support artistic development, creative exchange, and engagement with our facilities and local community. 

07. Creative Belfast Internship 

The Belfast Buildings Trust, in partnership with leading cultural organisations, proudly presents the Creative Belfast Internship Programme- the second instalment of a six-month paid internship designed for young people aged 18-25 to gain meaningful experience within Belfast’s vibrant creative and cultural industries.

Deadline: 11th September 5pm

Full listings including links on our website blog 

https://blickstudios.org/blog/

The sixth week of our @belfastdesignwk collab  Design Hothouse Residency with @rachelcowie_graphics and @beth__schmidt, this week working on finalising details with Blick resident Alex Synge @thefirst47 for the Design After Dark and Community Plant Library artwork to be ready to launch online in time for @culturenightbelfast on Friday 18th September. Then starting to think about how to exhibit the artwork for Culture Night.

We are excited to officially launch both projects and share Rachel and Beths beautiful artwork online later this week!

Aug 31

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17984085252112423
The sixth week of our @belfastdesignwk collab  Design Hothouse Residency with @rachelcowie_graphics and @beth__schmidt, this week working on finalising details with Blick resident Alex Synge @thefirst47 for the Design After Dark and Community Plant Library artwork to be ready to launch online in time for @culturenightbelfast on Friday 18th September. Then starting to think about how to exhibit the artwork for Culture Night.

We are excited to officially launch both projects and share Rachel and Beths beautiful artwork online later this week!

September is coming, the season of change. We have dedicated deskspaces available in our beautiful Hill St studios for creatives looking for a productive working space in the centre of Belfast`s Cathedral Quarter.
– £165 per calendar month
– 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/

Aug 26

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17987708175019066
September is coming, the season of change. We  have dedicated deskspaces available in our beautiful Hill St studios for creatives looking for a productive working space in the centre of Belfast's Cathedral Quarter.
– £165 per calendar month
– 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/

Week 5 of our new Design Hothouse Residency with Rachel and Beth, this week working on refinement and layout, the micro-adjustments that elevate the artwork from amateur to professional with @belfastdesignwk co-founder @karishmasworld on Tuesday at Queen’s University Students Union and starting to think about creating supporting assets and Checking layouts, colour ways and formatting with Blick Resident Molly Long to finish the week on Friday.

Aug 24

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Week 5 of our new Design Hothouse Residency with Rachel and Beth, this week working on refinement and layout, the micro-adjustments that elevate the artwork from amateur to professional with @belfastdesignwk co-founder @karishmasworld on Tuesday at Queen’s University Students Union and starting to think about creating supporting assets and Checking layouts, colour ways and formatting with Blick Resident Molly Long to finish the week on Friday.

As the seasons change and we move onto new projects here is a summary of some of my favourite bits from Belfast Design Week 2026, I also wrote a blog about it which is on our website (link in profile and below)

https://blickstudios.org/blog/bdw26-my-best-bits/

Aug 21

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As the seasons change and we move onto new projects here is a summary of some of my favourite bits from Belfast Design Week 2026, I also wrote a blog about it which is on our website (link in profile and below)

https://blickstudios.org/blog/bdw26-my-best-bits/

- - Meet The New Design Hothouse Resident: Beth Schmidt - -

In our latest Meet The Resident we get to know the second of our new Design Hothouse residents @beth__schmidt who is currently working as an architectural assistant @studioidir in East Belfast

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background and your creative work?

I work as an architectural assistant at Studio idir in East Belfast, where I contribute to a range of residential and placemaking projects. My work is driven by a passion for community-led design and an interest in re-evaluating food and waste systems, which was a continuous theme throughout my academic work. After graduating from Queen’s University Belfast in 2024, I spent time volunteering for various community-led projects across Europe, engaging in hands-on construction, food preparation, and permaculture farming. This allowed me to create meaningful change on an everyday scale, which I think can be difficult within architectural practice.

Can you tell us why you wanted to take part in the residency

I’m interested in the potential of design in reshaping our cities, which the residency encourages us to explore. The collaborative nature of the project was also important to me – I come from a background of architecture, which is often a very individualistic discipline. Buildings have historically been portrayed as the work and genius of one person, rather than reflecting the vast range of people involved in design and construction processes. I think collaboration enriches design and creates better results, and so I was interested in the opportunity to work with designers from other disciplines throughout the residency.

What would you like to achieve from this residency?

I’d like to explore design within circular economy principles, and create a body of work that is genuinely sustainable and has a positive contribution to the public. I’m also eager to gain experience and insight more generally in delivering the various events, branding, and physical exhibition that the residency links into. Lastly, I’d also like to become more confident in my ability to work within these areas going forward

Aug 19

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- - Meet The New Design Hothouse Resident: Beth Schmidt - -

In our latest Meet The Resident we get to know the second of our new Design Hothouse residents @beth__schmidt who is currently working as an architectural assistant @studioidir in East Belfast 

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background and your creative work?

I work as an architectural assistant at Studio idir in East Belfast, where I contribute to a range of residential and placemaking projects. My work is driven by a passion for community-led design and an interest in re-evaluating food and waste systems, which was a continuous theme throughout my academic work. After graduating from Queen’s University Belfast in 2024, I spent time volunteering for various community-led projects across Europe, engaging in hands-on construction, food preparation, and permaculture farming. This allowed me to create meaningful change on an everyday scale, which I think can be difficult within architectural practice. 

Can you tell us why you wanted to take part in the residency

I’m interested in the potential of design in reshaping our cities, which the residency encourages us to explore. The collaborative nature of the project was also important to me – I come from a background of architecture, which is often a very individualistic discipline. Buildings have historically been portrayed as the work and genius of one person, rather than reflecting the vast range of people involved in design and construction processes. I think collaboration enriches design and creates better results, and so I was interested in the opportunity to work with designers from other disciplines throughout the residency.

What would you like to achieve from this residency?

I’d like to explore design within circular economy principles, and create a body of work that is genuinely sustainable and has a positive contribution to the public. I’m also eager to gain experience and insight more generally in delivering the various events, branding, and physical exhibition that the residency links into. Lastly, I’d also like to become more confident in my ability to work within these areas going forward

The fourth week of our Design Hothouse Residency with @rachelcowie_graphics and @beth__schmidt , this week working on reviewing sketches and ideas for custom fonts, layouts, colours and pairing fonts with Blick resident Alex Synge @thefirst47 on Tuesday 11th August. Then a finance and budgeting workshop and second opinion on fonts and artwork direction with Blick Finance and Operations Manager Rosy on Friday.

Aug 18

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The fourth week of our Design Hothouse Residency with @rachelcowie_graphics and @beth__schmidt , this week working on reviewing sketches and ideas for custom fonts, layouts, colours and pairing fonts with Blick resident Alex Synge @thefirst47 on Tuesday 11th August. Then a finance and budgeting workshop and second opinion on fonts and artwork direction with Blick Finance and Operations Manager Rosy on Friday.

We have one private 1 - 2 person studio available in our Cotton Court studios from September
– £295 per calendar month all inclusive (rent, rates, utilities, broadband) no VAT
– Minimum 3 months contract then on a rolling monthly contract
– 1 months rent required as a deposit
– Industrial style building full of creative organisations
– Cathedral Quarter location opposite the Merchant hotel
– Email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing or visit the Cotton Court page of our website (link below and in profile): https://blickstudios.org/locations/cotton-court-belfast/

Aug 17

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17945510661057919
We have one private 1 - 2 person studio available in our Cotton Court studios from September 
– £295 per calendar month all inclusive (rent, rates, utilities, broadband) no VAT
– Minimum 3 months contract then on a rolling monthly contract
– 1 months rent required as a deposit
– Industrial style building full of creative organisations 
– Cathedral Quarter location opposite the Merchant hotel 
– Email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing or visit the Cotton Court page of our website (link below and in profile): https://blickstudios.org/locations/cotton-court-belfast/

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann right on our doorstep in the Cathedral Quarter last week

Aug 12

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Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann right on our doorstep in the Cathedral Quarter last week

- - Meet the new Design Hothouse Resident: Rachel Cowie - -

In our latest Meet The Resident we get to know one of our two new Design Hothouse residents multidisciplinary designer @rachelcowie_graphics

You can also read her interview on the blog on our website link in profile and below:

https://blickstudios.org/blog/meet-the-new-hothouse-resident-rachel-cowie/

Aug 10

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17915543937427675
- - Meet the new Design Hothouse Resident: Rachel Cowie - -

In our latest Meet The Resident we get to know one of our two new Design Hothouse residents multidisciplinary designer @rachelcowie_graphics 

You can also read her interview on the blog on our website link in profile and below:

https://blickstudios.org/blog/meet-the-new-hothouse-resident-rachel-cowie/
Our locations:

Blick Shared Studios, Hill Street

46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
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Blick Shared Studios, Cotton Court

30-42 Waring Street, Belfast, BT1 2ED
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Blick Shared Studios, Great Northern St

65 Great Northern Street, Belfast, BT9 7FL
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02890137395 info@blickstudios.org
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