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  • Events & Support
    • Events & Workshops Find out more about our upcoming events
    • Resources for Creatives Useful resources for helping you grow your creative business
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    • Womenfolk Supporting self-employed creative women in Belfast
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#MeetTheResident: Designer & Scupltor Gareth McCullagh

Published: May 12, 2020

Can you tell us a bit about what you do?

I design and sculpt miniature figures by hand. I mostly do subjects from history, though occasionally some fantasy or sci-fi subjects too.

 

What is your background in?

I trained in law and was a practising barrister for around six years. I was deeply unhappy in the profession, and came to realise I was not suited to it; I had chosen the wrong path. Leaving was both the hardest and best decision I’ve ever made.

 

Why did you want to start your own business?

Leaving the Bar was akin to jumping out of a burning aeroplane, but without  a parachute; I was at a loss for what to do next. To tide myself over I turned my hobby of collecting and painting figures into a small business. This was meant to be temporary, but once I started sculpting the figures I just gravitated towards that. I had read a magazine article about a miniatures company that suggested that if you were a skilled painter you could probably sculpt too. So I tried and got the hang of it quickly. To some extent its all an accident, but its an illusion to try to plan everything.

 

What do you love most about working for yourself?

I like working with people rather than for people, if that makes sense? I’ve never been employed, only ever self-employed and I think I am too used to that now to change. Of course I am always working on commissions, but the clients generally  set the task and you decide how to execute it. I enjoy collaborating but I doubt I’d thrive with someone looking over my shoulder all the time. Its nice to set your own hours and so on, but you have to be responsible to yourself, so there’s not really any room for slacking off. I think it depends on your personality, some people like fitting into a pre-existing structure and some like setting the structure. Its only problematic if you end up in the one you don’t fit into well.

 

What was the biggest hurdle for you starting out and how did you overcome it?

Getting clients, I suppose.  I thought it would be learning the craft, because I had to teach myself how. It was a matter of getting the tools and materials and trying, because there was no one teaching it,  but I took to it quickly. Now its easier with the explosion of on-line resources, though its still a pretty niche skill.

To get clients I had to contact companies and volunteer some free figures for them on a no-obligation basis. This worked quite well, and I still work for some of those initial contacts, but there were some missteps too. I answered a call for sculptors for some board game figures, which later turned out to be for a Conan the Barbarian game. I didn’t realise it was way  beyond my skill level and I submitted a test sculpt. I thought it was quite good, but looking back it may have been only the 5th or 6th  figure I had sculpted. I got a very polite email turning me down, with some useful pointers as to how to improve, but I was mortified.

I keep little Conan figure sitting on my computer to remind me just how unskilled I was then, and that I should keep trying to improve.

 

What projects are you currently working on?

Currently on the desk are lots of 17th Century Cossack and Tatar cavalry, who  fought over Crimea and Ukraine, which I suppose still echoes in the present day unfortunately. I am just about to start working on Safavid Persians from the same period. Part of what I like about doing historical subjects is that I get to research periods and cultures that I otherwise would know nothing about.

 

How do you stay creative/inspired?

Mostly great art, whether its sculpture or illustrative. Some people get inspired by movies, but I find films frustrating because they usually get the details wrong, though I’ll admit they can be good for setting the mood. For me, seeing inspiring illustration is much better, especially if the artist manages to tell a good story in the piece. I wish I was given more concept art by clients, but usually I just have to hunt down the historical references myself.

Seeing great work from other sculptors is also inspiring, and can give you something to try to out-do.

If I am working on a particular subject I try to find music that evokes the time or culture, that helps me get into the head-space for imagining what I want sculpt, plus you end up finding unusual music you’d otherwise never had heard.

 

Who is your design hero?

In terms of sculpting, probably Tom Meier, who is preternaturally talented, so much so that while I admire him I don’t really attempt to emulate him. His work is so fine that it often suffers if not painted by someone as skilled as he is. Alan and Michael Perry are the sculptors I try to learn from, their work is the best balance of detail and practicality; something about their work just strikes the right balance. Sculpting is as much about deciding which details to leave out as it is which to include.

Illustration-wise, I think it would have to be Angus McBride or Nikolai Zubkov. They have similar styles that just jump off the page, and there’s a clarity to their work that makes them the sculptor’s best friend.

 

What piece of software/ tool/ equipment would you struggle to run your business without?

Practically it would be the colour-shaper, which is a sort of paintbrush with a rubber head instead of bristles. Without it I wouldn’t be able to get the sculpting resin to obey me, getting my first one was the difference between me succeeding and giving up in frustration.

Software-wise I think zBrush will become indispensable. I am currently learning it and will probably end up using it exclusively. Computer design and 3D printing are definitely the future in my industry, in fact they are a large part of the present.  Some people regret the fact that handmade figures are gradually disappearing, but I see it as applying the same skill with a different set of tools, and there’s room for both.

What are you plans/hopes/ambitions for the future?

3D printing is the area I am putting lots of effort into currently, and I am also slowly teaching myself illustration, which is significantly harder. In terms of projects, I am quite excited about working on my own 16th  century Ming Dynasty range, which will probably be a Kickstarter project. I have been collaborating with a Chinese-American friend and we’ve done a lot of research, which is to say he’s done the lion’s share of the work as he can read classical Chinese and I can’t. Once the figures are done I think we should consider publishing a book, because there is almost nothing available in English on the subject. Its quite a niche area, but I’d love to make what we’ve collated available.

 

Finally, your top tip for other creatives starting their own business?

I am always hesitant about giving advice because I rarely listened to it myself- to my cost. We’re all told not to put our hands on a hot stove, but most of us only learn the lesson after we’ve put our hand on the stove.

I guess if I had to give advice it might be to love what you do, but I’d assume that if you are starting your own business you’ve made it over that hurdle already. But you do have to continue that passion because you are going to encounter problems no matter what, and they are easier to face if you believe in what you are doing.  If that sounds too much like a start-up cliché, then advice that’s a bit more hard-nosed would be to make sure you value your time properly, because if you don’t your clients won’t either.

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A summary of our story at Blick from when we started way back in 2007, over 17 years ago. A steep learning curve that`s for sure!

Aug 21

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18078888679757158
A summary of our story at Blick from when we started way back in 2007, over 17 years ago. A steep learning curve that's for sure!

- - THE STORY OF BLICK- -

It`s hard to believe, it seems like only yesterday, but we started Blick 17 years ago way back in 2007 with a group of other creatives who wanted to come together to create a great workspace for creatives in Belfast. 

Our ambition was to create beautiful but affordable spaces for creatives to work in. Spaces for like-minded creatives to meet and share resources, ideas and inspiration. Spaces to build a sense of community and encourage, support and inspire each other.

Blick now operates as a non-profit creative workspace in Belfast, Northern Ireland offering dedicated desks, private studios, and business address services. Spread across three beautiful buildings, we also provide events and tailored support to help creatives thrive.
Blick now provides creative shared workspace and private studio space to more than 65 creatives across 3 different buildings in Belfast as well as virtual office services to over 90 creatives.
We are currently busy settling into our new Great Northern Street studios and we have a whole variety of talks and workshops happening for local creatives which you can see over on our Website events page. We also have different projects and programs, as well as regular blogs including links to funding and opportunities for creatives and lots of downloadable resources to help you start and grow your own creative business which you can find on our website (www.blickstudios.org)

Here`s a summary of some of the major parts of our story over the last 17 years, you can also read it on our website

https://blickstudios.org/the-team/the-blick-story/

Aug 18

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18054814010431737
- - THE STORY OF BLICK- -

It's hard to believe, it seems like only yesterday, but we started Blick 17 years ago way back in 2007 with a group of other creatives who wanted to come together to create a great workspace for creatives in Belfast. 

Our ambition was to create beautiful but affordable spaces for creatives to work in. Spaces for like-minded creatives to meet and share resources, ideas and inspiration. Spaces to build a sense of community and encourage, support and inspire each other.

Blick now operates as a non-profit creative workspace in Belfast, Northern Ireland offering dedicated desks, private studios, and business address services. Spread across three beautiful buildings, we also provide events and tailored support to help creatives thrive.
Blick now provides creative shared workspace and private studio space to more than 65 creatives across 3 different buildings in Belfast as well as virtual office services to over 90 creatives.
We are currently busy settling into our new Great Northern Street studios and we have a whole variety of talks and workshops happening for local creatives which you can see over on our Website events page. We also have different projects and programs, as well as regular blogs including links to funding and opportunities for creatives and lots of downloadable resources to help you start and grow your own creative business which you can find on our website (www.blickstudios.org)

Here's a summary of some of the major parts of our story over the last 17 years, you can also read it on our website

https://blickstudios.org/the-team/the-blick-story/

- - Blick Resident Gallery 545 - ‘Re-imagined Places’ Group Exhibition - -

Dates: 20 -24 August 2025

Location: Gallery 545 at La Roche House, Belfast & online

Cost: Free

Blick resident @gallery545online presents ‘Re-imagined Places’, an exhibition of original artworks inspired by landscapes created by accomplished artists based in Northern Ireland. A diverse art selection will be on display at La Roche House, from beautiful views of Northern Ireland to evocative imaginary lands, exquisite foliage motives, vibrant abstract paintings, and colourful glass pieces.

Featuring Justė Bernotaitė, Lisa Ballard, Louise Lennon, Alison Lowry, Rosie McGurran, Maria Perry, Latisha Reihill, and Anushiya Sundaralingam.

Visit the Gallery 545 Instagram page: @gallery545online

Or website for full details: https://gallery545.com/blogs/exhibitions/re-imagined-places-group-exhibition

Aug 13

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18147713836393659
- - Blick Resident Gallery 545 - ‘Re-imagined Places’ Group Exhibition - - 

Dates: 20 -24 August 2025

Location: Gallery 545 at La Roche House, Belfast & online

Cost: Free

Blick resident @gallery545online presents ‘Re-imagined Places’, an exhibition of original artworks inspired by landscapes created by accomplished artists based in Northern Ireland. A diverse art selection will be on display at La Roche House, from beautiful views of Northern Ireland to evocative imaginary lands, exquisite foliage motives, vibrant abstract paintings, and colourful glass pieces.

Featuring Justė Bernotaitė, Lisa Ballard, Louise Lennon, Alison Lowry, Rosie McGurran, Maria Perry, Latisha Reihill, and Anushiya Sundaralingam.

Visit the Gallery 545 Instagram page: @gallery545online 

Or website for full details: https://gallery545.com/blogs/exhibitions/re-imagined-places-group-exhibition

Our latest roundup of opportunities for creatives in NI 

01. Techstart Proof of Concept Grant Fund
The Techstart Proof of Concept Grant Fund is a pre-commercial grant awarding fund. On a competitive basis, the fund supports entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland with grants to explore the viability and commercial potential of an innovative concept.

 

02. Creative Boom launches Boom Briefs
Need to update your portfolio? Or looking for your next challenge? Push yourself out of your comfort zone with Creative Boom’s monthly creative prompts: Boom Briefs.

 

03. Call for Applications: CIRCLE Fiction Orbit 2025
CIRCLE Fiction Orbit is an intensive one-week workshop designed to support filmmakers—directors, writers, and producers—developing their second, third or fourth fiction feature, and this year it’s going to Montenegro in November. This opportunity comes with a participation fee.

Closing date: 15th August 2025

 

04. China Artists Residency Programme 
Up to a 30 days residency in Beijing. For the pilot year, Digital Arts is the selected artform for the residency. This year’s Residency Programme is for Digital Artists working within the arts sector in Northern Ireland.

Closing date: 21st August

 

05. Art Breakfast Club Belfast
Meet-up in Pottinger’s Cafe in the City Centre

Date: Saturday 16th August, 10.30am

 

06. CraftNI ‘THE GIFT’ (Christmas Selling Exhibition) Callout
Craft NI Gallery are inviting applications from makers across a variety of craft disciplines to take part in ‘THE GIFT’, a curated Christmas exhibition celebrating both the accomplishments of local craft makers and elegance of artisan gifting.

Application Deadline: Friday 5th September, 5pm

Full listings including links on the blog on our website (link in profile and below)

https://blickstudios.org/blog/creative-roundup-opportunities-for-creatives-3/

Aug 12

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17976981794860315
Our latest roundup of opportunities for creatives in NI 

01. Techstart Proof of Concept Grant Fund
The Techstart Proof of Concept Grant Fund is a pre-commercial grant awarding fund. On a competitive basis, the fund supports entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland with grants to explore the viability and commercial potential of an innovative concept.

 

02. Creative Boom launches Boom Briefs
Need to update your portfolio? Or looking for your next challenge? Push yourself out of your comfort zone with Creative Boom’s monthly creative prompts: Boom Briefs.

 

03. Call for Applications: CIRCLE Fiction Orbit 2025
CIRCLE Fiction Orbit is an intensive one-week workshop designed to support filmmakers—directors, writers, and producers—developing their second, third or fourth fiction feature, and this year it’s going to Montenegro in November. This opportunity comes with a participation fee.

Closing date: 15th August 2025

 

04. China Artists Residency Programme 
Up to a 30 days residency in Beijing. For the pilot year, Digital Arts is the selected artform for the residency. This year’s Residency Programme is for Digital Artists working within the arts sector in Northern Ireland.

Closing date: 21st August

 

05. Art Breakfast Club Belfast
Meet-up in Pottinger’s Cafe in the City Centre

Date: Saturday 16th August, 10.30am

 

06. CraftNI ‘THE GIFT’ (Christmas Selling Exhibition) Callout
Craft NI Gallery are inviting applications from makers across a variety of craft disciplines to take part in ‘THE GIFT’, a curated Christmas exhibition celebrating both the accomplishments of local craft makers and elegance of artisan gifting.

Application Deadline: Friday 5th September, 5pm

Full listings including links on the blog on our website (link in profile and below)

https://blickstudios.org/blog/creative-roundup-opportunities-for-creatives-3/

Some words of wisdom to start your week from our latest Meet the Resident interview with Sarah Baecher, an artist from the U.S. and one of our newest Cotton Court residents!

You can read her full interview on our website link below and in profile https://blickstudios.org/blog/12724/

Aug 11

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17986495700849109
Some words of wisdom to start your week from our latest Meet the Resident interview with Sarah Baecher, an artist from the U.S. and one of our newest Cotton Court residents!

You can read her full interview on our website link below and in profile https://blickstudios.org/blog/12724/

- -  RESOURCES FOR CREATIVES - TOOLS TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS - -

Here are some tools and methods to help you set goals for your creative business and achieve them.

1. Journalling
Use a journal for tracking your goals and smaller daily achievements.

2. Use Your Mobile Phone
Use your mobile phone to set daily reminders or use goal setting apps.

3. Goal Setting Apps and Software
Use goal setting and project management software, tools and apps such as:
• Monday - (this is what we use at Blick and we couldn`t survive without it)
• Clickup
• Wrike
• Hubspot
• Asana
• Trello

4. Motivational Notes and Images
Place motivational notes and posters around your home or work desk.

5. Visualisation Activities
Use visualisation activities e.g. mindfulness, affirmations and meditation.

6. Friends and Family
Accountability can help, tell friends and family what you’re working towards so they can offer support and keep you accountable.

6. Networking Groups and Meet Ups
Join groups or meet-ups with like-minded people trying to achieve similar goals

You can find all our goal-setting resources on the resources section of our website link below and in profile

https://blickstudios.org/resources/

Aug 10

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18334805740204512
- -  RESOURCES FOR CREATIVES - TOOLS TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS - - 

Here are some tools and methods to help you set goals for your creative business and achieve them. 

1. Journalling
Use a journal for tracking your goals and smaller daily achievements. 

2. Use Your Mobile Phone
Use your mobile phone to set daily reminders or use goal setting apps. 

3. Goal Setting Apps and Software
Use goal setting and project management software, tools and apps such as:
• Monday - (this is what we use at Blick and we couldn't survive without it)
• Clickup
• Wrike
• Hubspot
• Asana
• Trello

4. Motivational Notes and Images
Place motivational notes and posters around your home or work desk. 

5. Visualisation Activities
Use visualisation activities e.g. mindfulness, affirmations and meditation. 

6. Friends and Family
Accountability can help, tell friends and family what you’re working towards so they can offer support and keep you accountable. 

6. Networking Groups and Meet Ups
Join groups or meet-ups with like-minded people trying to achieve similar goals

You can find all our goal-setting resources on the resources section of our website link below and in profile 

https://blickstudios.org/resources/

- - RESOURCES FOR CREATIVES - GOAL SETTING TEMPLATE - -

Today we are sharing a goal-setting template to help you set realistic achievable goals to help you start or grow your creative business. You can use this template as a journal prompt or download as a pdf or word document from the creative resources section of our website! (Link below and in profile)

https://blickstudios.org/resources/goal-setting/

Aug 6

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18351323374092083
- -  RESOURCES FOR CREATIVES - GOAL SETTING TEMPLATE - - 

Today we are sharing a goal-setting template to help you set realistic achievable goals to help you start or grow your creative business. You can use this template as a journal prompt or download as a pdf or word document from the creative resources section of our website! (Link below and in profile)

https://blickstudios.org/resources/goal-setting/

“This one step - choosing a goal and sticking to it - changes everything.” Scott Reed

A quote on the value of setting goals ahead of us sharing different resources later this week.

You can find all our goal setting resources on our website (link below and in profile)  https://blickstudios.org/resources/goal-setting/

Aug 5

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17852067669513076
“This one step - choosing a goal and sticking to it - changes everything.” Scott Reed

A quote on the value of setting goals ahead of us sharing different resources later this week.

You can find all our goal setting resources on our website (link below and in profile)  https://blickstudios.org/resources/goal-setting/

Ahead of sharing some new goal-setting resources next week, we are looking back on our strategic goal-setting workshop with Stephanie Heckman. By sharing some pics that we ran out of time for earlier this year.

It was such a great workshop, provoking great insights and reflections as well as providing practical actions to help attendees move towards future goals.

Aug 1

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18516336139050628
Ahead of sharing some new goal-setting resources next week, we are looking back on our strategic goal-setting workshop with Stephanie Heckman. By sharing some pics that we ran out of time for earlier this year.

It was such a great workshop, provoking great insights and reflections as well as providing practical actions to help attendees move towards future goals.

Loving these summer evenings in our South Belfast Studios 🌞 ☀️ 🌤

Jul 29

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Loving these summer evenings in our South Belfast Studios 🌞 ☀️ 🌤

Late afternoon sun 🌞 ☀️ 🌤

Jul 28

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Late afternoon sun 🌞 ☀️ 🌤

New Hill Street Sunday Art Market right outside our Hill Street Studios from 10am - 3pm each week!

Jul 27

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18044658008641635
New Hill Street Sunday Art Market right outside our Hill Street Studios from 10am - 3pm each week!

Some great insights from our May Creative Talk with artist and illustrator @dannisimpsonart

Jul 25

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18075463469494122
Some great insights from our May Creative Talk with artist and illustrator @dannisimpsonart

Looking back to our May Creative Talk with artist and illustrator @dannisimpsonart

Jul 23

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Looking back to our May Creative Talk with artist and illustrator @dannisimpsonart

- - AVAILABLE WORKSPACE - BLICK SHARED STUDIOS, SOUTH BELFAST - -

We have one dedicated deskspace in our shared creative coworking space available:

– South Belfast location just off the Lisburn Road with lots of shops, coffee shops and bars within walking distance

– £150 per dedicated desk with allocated storage all inclusive (rent, rates, utilities, broadband) no VAT

– 24 hour access

– Breakout area

– Minimum 3 months contract then on a rolling monthly contract

– 1 months rent required as a deposit

Email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing or visit our website for more info (Link below and in profile)
https://blickstudios.org/locations/great-northern-street/

Jul 21

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17985823823698745
- - AVAILABLE WORKSPACE - BLICK SHARED STUDIOS, SOUTH BELFAST - -

We have one dedicated deskspace in our shared creative coworking space available:

– South Belfast location just off the Lisburn Road with lots of shops, coffee shops and bars within walking distance

– £150 per dedicated desk with allocated storage all inclusive (rent, rates, utilities, broadband) no VAT

– 24 hour access

– Breakout area

– Minimum 3 months contract then on a rolling monthly contract

– 1 months rent required as a deposit

Email christine@blickstudios.org for more info or to arrange a viewing or visit our website for more info (Link below and in profile)
https://blickstudios.org/locations/great-northern-street/

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

 01. Cathedral Quarter Art Market

Applications are now open for the Cathedral Quarter Art Market – a new Sunday market celebrating handmade and independently designed work, set in the heart of Belfast’s most creative district.
Event Details:
Location: Hill Street, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast
Time: 10am – 3pm
Pitch Fee: £60 (includes your gazebo and trading licence)
Dates: Every Sunday from 27 July – 28 September
Spaces: Strictly limited to 24 traders per week

 
02. Tools for Togetherness – Tender Opportunity

Tools for Togetherness seeks to commission a series of pilot projects based around the concept of an ‘Artist-led Library of interventions; as shared Citizen Resource’. They are excited to empower creatives to create thoughtful interventions which align with fostering community togetherness in public spaces.
Closing date: Friday 22 August 2025 at 12 noon

 
03. Hawk’s Well Theatre Artist in Residence 2025

Project Lighthouse is a 12-month cross-border, cross-community peacebuilding project. You’ll work with young adults (aged 18–25) to co-create a powerful performance and legacy work in two border locations:
• Sligo (ROI)
• Derry/Londonderry (NI)
Delivery Period: September 2025 – September 2026
What to Submit:
A quotation and proposal
A budget breakdown (quotes considered, max €20,000 + VAT)
Contact: director@hawkswell.ie
Deadline: August 1st 2025, 5pm

 
04. Northern Ireland Screen – Camera Trainee (CINE Programme) 

Location: Various production locations across Northern Ireland
Salary: £12.60 per hour (Real Living Wage)
Contract: Fixed-term training placements (non-continuous)
Hours: 40–60 hours per week, depending on production schedule
Closing Date: Friday 25th July 2025 at 1pm

 
05. Bring Your Own Art Art Show

This weekend in the Black Box Belfast and there’s still time to register and submit your work
Date: 20th July
Location: Black Box Belfast

Full listings including links on our website: https://blickstudios.org/blog/12766/

Jul 18

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18100113277582049
Our latest roundup of local and international funding, support & opportunities for NI creatives 

 01. Cathedral Quarter Art Market 

Applications are now open for the Cathedral Quarter Art Market – a new Sunday market celebrating handmade and independently designed work, set in the heart of Belfast’s most creative district.
Event Details:
Location: Hill Street, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast
Time: 10am – 3pm
Pitch Fee: £60 (includes your gazebo and trading licence)
Dates: Every Sunday from 27 July – 28 September
Spaces: Strictly limited to 24 traders per week 

 
02. Tools for Togetherness – Tender Opportunity 

Tools for Togetherness seeks to commission a series of pilot projects based around the concept of an ‘Artist-led Library of interventions; as shared Citizen Resource’. They are excited to empower creatives to create thoughtful interventions which align with fostering community togetherness in public spaces. 
Closing date: Friday 22 August 2025 at 12 noon 

 
03. Hawk’s Well Theatre Artist in Residence 2025 

Project Lighthouse is a 12-month cross-border, cross-community peacebuilding project. You’ll work with young adults (aged 18–25) to co-create a powerful performance and legacy work in two border locations:
• Sligo (ROI)
• Derry/Londonderry (NI)
Delivery Period: September 2025 – September 2026
What to Submit:
A quotation and proposal
A budget breakdown (quotes considered, max €20,000 + VAT)
Contact: director@hawkswell.ie
Deadline: August 1st 2025, 5pm 

 
04. Northern Ireland Screen – Camera Trainee (CINE Programme)  

Location: Various production locations across Northern Ireland
Salary: £12.60 per hour (Real Living Wage)
Contract: Fixed-term training placements (non-continuous)
Hours: 40–60 hours per week, depending on production schedule
Closing Date: Friday 25th July 2025 at 1pm 

 
05. Bring Your Own Art Art Show 

This weekend in the Black Box Belfast and there’s still time to register and submit your work
Date: 20th July
Location: Black Box Belfast 

Full listings including links on our website: https://blickstudios.org/blog/12766/

To celebrate the end of our Nurture Creative Incubation programme and its participants we have put together a small exhibition of the interviews they did for us and some examples of their work in our Great Northern Street studios!

Jul 16

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17956103561969387
To celebrate the end of our Nurture Creative Incubation programme and its participants we have put together a small exhibition of the interviews they did for us and some examples of their work in our Great Northern Street studios!

As we enter this quieter holiday period, today we are looking back to May, a fantastic busy month for us at Blick that included a creative talk with artist and illustrator Danni Simpson, conversations and catchups around Belfast Design Week. 2 fun-filled bank holidays and the end of our Nurture Programme and its final activities which included a fieldtrip visit to Maven and Bag of Bees design studio on the Lisburn Road, as well as a celebratory lunch (we forgot to take pics) and an exhibition and creative talks to celebrate the programme and its participants!

Jul 9

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As we enter this quieter holiday period, today we are looking back to May, a fantastic busy month for us at Blick that included a creative talk with artist and illustrator Danni Simpson, conversations and catchups around Belfast Design Week. 2 fun-filled bank holidays and the end of our Nurture Programme and its final activities which included a fieldtrip visit to Maven and Bag of Bees design studio on the Lisburn Road, as well as a celebratory lunch (we forgot to take pics) and an exhibition and creative talks to celebrate the programme and its participants!

Working from our lovely Great Northern Street Studios breakout space this evening on some plans for the rest of 2025. Lots of exciting things to come after the summer!

Jul 8

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Working from our lovely Great Northern Street Studios breakout space this evening on some plans for the rest of 2025. Lots of exciting things to come after the summer!

Looking back to some of my favourite bits from our Nurture Creative Incubation Programme which ran from October last year to the end of May. Including:

The end of programme talks and exhibition

Our group weekly peer mentoring sessions

Our group fieldtrip to Maven

Interviews with the participants Bethany Millican @bethanysmillican , Vera Hylands @verahylands and Grainne Mullan @point_angel_

A pic of us all together at the end of the programme!

I had such a great time working with all the participants at our weekly peer mentoring and monthly one-on-one sessions and at the monthly workshops with different creatives (such a good time I mostly forgot to get pics) and look forward to keeping in touch and seeing how they progress!

Jul 4

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17923769171980570
Looking back to some of my favourite bits from our Nurture Creative Incubation Programme which ran from October last year to the end of May. Including:

The end of programme talks and exhibition

Our group weekly peer mentoring sessions

Our group fieldtrip to Maven

Interviews with the participants Bethany Millican @bethanysmillican , Vera Hylands @verahylands  and Grainne Mullan @point_angel_

A pic of us all together at the end of the programme!

I had such a great time working with all the participants at our weekly peer mentoring and monthly one-on-one sessions and at the monthly workshops with different creatives (such a good time I mostly forgot to get pics) and look forward to keeping in touch and seeing how they progress!
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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Blick Shared Studios is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland registration number NIC102158
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