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Meet the Team behind Small Town Big Dreams – Graeme Watson

Published: October 5, 2020

Small Town Big Dreams is a podcast which shares the stories of creative entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland. It was founded in 2018 by Blick alongside Graeme Watson and Karishma Kusurkar it is a collaborative project that we have worked together to develop.

We thought it would be nice for everyone to find out a bit more about the team behind the podcast and their experiences during lockdown and the pandemic. We begin this week with Graeme Watson.

 

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

My name is Graeme Watson, and by day I work in marketing and communications in higher education, but by night, for the past 14 years or so, I’ve been very active in building the comedy scene in Northern Ireland as a promoter and producer.

 

You have a background in comedy, what has been the impact of the pandemic within the comedy scene?

Comedy across the UK and Ireland has been hit very hard by the pandemic. From the smallest gigs in pubs to the largest gigs in theatres and arenas, comedy has been ‘cancelled’ along with live theatre and music. It has been interesting to watch how comedians have responded to this period though – from doing shows on Zoom or Twitch, having more time to concentrate on video or audio content, doing shows in people’s gardens, or ‘drive-in’ shows etc.

So there’s been a lot of creative responses, but for the vast majority of people who make a living performing comedy, or promoting it, it will have been an incredibly challenging time in terms of making a solid living.

 

Are you optimistic about the future of comedy and live performances?

I think comedy will always find a way through a situation like this. One thing that’s been interesting in Belfast is that with social distancing and curfews being in place, live comedy is now seen as being one of the only viable forms of entertainment for a Friday night. This wasn’t the case before the pandemic, because a disco or live music was seen as a more profitable option. Whether this is unique to Belfast I’m not sure, but in the long term comedy will recover.

That said, I suspect the pause will also act as a kind of watershed moment for some performers and clubs, who may decide to pack it in or not re-open. So I think the comedy scene after the pandemic subsides will be quite a different place from the one before it.

 

What kind of changes do you think the pandemic will bring to that sector?

It’s very hard to predict – I suppose the thing we haven’t got our heads round yet is how long the restrictions might be in place. Many of the public health people strongly hint that we will be living with this virus for a long time. So if the virus remains a high threat to public health for the next 3 or 4 years, for example, at the minute it feels like night life of all kinds is going to be the most heavily restricted. But for how long? That’s the big question really – I think most people in live entertainment are thinking they can just about survive until the Spring, but if there is no end in sight then I think this sector will be in the bleakest despair, quite frankly.

 

What about your own creative work, how has it been impacted by the pandemic?

Well, strangely, as I turn 40 this year, I had decided to take a bit of a sabbatical from running events to take stock and get re-inspired and re-energised. I had been getting used to sitting in more at night (and thinking how strange it felt), only to then be thrown into the situation of doing nothing but ‘sitting in’ for 4 months. So if anything it just turned my year of reflection into something even more intense! I wanted a year that was a bit different, and that’s what I got…

I suppose I didn’t really have a creative plan for this year, but I definitely wanted to develop more audio projects, so making The World Turned Upside Down was a great opportunity to really stretch my ambitions and abilities on that front. I also produced and edited a short story podcast with an author friend, called Inside John Patrick Higgins. That has been fun and interesting to do as well.

 

How was the lockdown for you?

Looking back, I think for sure at the start it was very strange and a little bit scary initially. It came all of a sudden, and was such an unimaginable scenario – everything being shut down and being told to stay at home, in a very short space of time. I felt very lucky to have been in a secure job that I could carry on doing at home – if I had gone into promoting comedy full-time as I was once planning to, I think this would have been a total catastrophe for that business, even if it was ticking along reasonably nicely.

The thing that I appreciated about lockdown was being able to spend more time in my home and appreciate it, and just the opportunity to slow down and get a bit more organised domestically and think about daily routines and exercise and things like that. It was really back to basics, wasn’t it?

 

What was the biggest change to your life?

I’m not sure I have an answer to that yet! There have been lots of changes, but I’m not sure which are temporary and which might be more long-lived!

 

Any changes you are planning to make to your life long term?

It feels dumb to say this, but there are definitely healthy daily habits that I developed during lockdown that I would like to keep as normality resumes. It’s easy to live very reactively when you are very busy all the time, rushing from one thing to the next, but I felt it gave me the opportunity to take a breather and get a bit more control, and maybe use my time better too.

 

What did you find most challenging?

I live on my own, which I guess other people would find challenging, but I’m sure it was much more challenging to be looking after children and other people during all of this. The most challenging thing was definitely just not being able to see family and friends. Sometimes I think this current period is actually worse, because although you might be working, the things in life that give life enjoyment and make work-life tolerable are severely restricted. I think that will be a difficult thing to sustain.

 

What kept you sane during this period?

Making the podcast definitely helped! I am a firm believer in always having a few projects on the go – I think that’s how I maintain sanity. Learning new things, even simple things, and having some purpose to your day is the recipe for sanity that hasn’t failed me yet. Lockdown was a new scenario in that you had really no idea when it was going to end – so there was no future planning, just day-by-day living, and trying to inject some purpose into the present.

 

You heard all the interviews in full, what was your biggest takeaway piece of advice or insight from all the interviews?

I was really struck by how people adapted to the situation so quickly, trying to find the opportunities in it, despite dealing with what I’m sure was quite devastating consequences of lockdown for some. I think Sean Duncan from Redcap Productions said something quite insightful about this being a ‘shared trauma’ that we’ve all experienced. I think that’s what’s so unusual about it – so many people on earth have experienced this strange purgatory, this strange hell, but we’ve all experienced it in ways that are utterly unique to our personal circumstances. In that respect, this moment in history has changed all of us quite profoundly in some way or another.

 

Finally what are your plans for your creative work in the future and how can people find you online?

For the moment my interest is definitely in writing and creating more interesting audio projects, so I think I will find a way to experiment with that in different ways.

People can find me online on Instagram at @graeme_theory, or on Twitter at @graeme_watson.

 

You can find out more about Small Town Big Dreams and listen to all previous podcast episodes  and episode 1 of Small Town Big Dreams new audio documentary ‘The World Turned Upside Down’ on the impact of the pandemic on creative entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland here: https://www.smalltownbigdreams.co.uk/

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In his interview today with us ahead of his creative talk next week, creative director and creative agency founder Ciaran shares about how he sets boundaries around his work for himself and his team

If you want to sign up for the talk next Wednesday evening just visit the events page of our website!

Oct 7

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18083025448800969
In his interview today with us ahead of his creative talk next week, creative director and creative agency founder Ciaran shares about how he sets boundaries around his work for himself and his team

If you want to sign up for the talk next Wednesday evening just visit the events page of our website!

EVENTS AT BLICK THIS OCTOBER

Some of our upcoming events at Blick this October

DECOLONIAL POLITICS

Date: Sun 5th October 5, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Cost: £30

INTERMEDIATE POETRY WORKSHOP

Date: Tues 7th October 5, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Cost: £40

CREATIVE BRUNCH WITH INNOVATE UK BUSINESS GROWTH

Date: Wed 8th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10.30am

CREATIVE ADVENTURE CLUB

Date: Wed 8th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 6.30pm

GETTING RETAIL READY FIELDTRIP

Date: Fri 10th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St & Various

Contributors: Born & Bred, Hunter Paper Co, Story Box,

Time: 10am - 4pm

CREATIVE TALK WITH CIARAN CRUDDEN CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LAST BRAND

Date: Wed 15th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 7pm - 8pm

Cost: Free

DIGITAL BRUNCH: CREATIVE AUDIO FOR BEGINNERS

Date: Sat 25th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10am - 1pm

WOMENFOLK X KITSCH SISTERS VISION BOARD WORKSHOP

Date: Sun 26th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 2pm - 4pm

WOMENFOLK PEER MENTORING

Date: Tes 30th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 7pm - 9pm

For more information or to book tickets visit the events page of our website: https://blickstudios.org/events/

Oct 7

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17941144254073564
EVENTS AT BLICK THIS OCTOBER

Some of our upcoming events at Blick this October

DECOLONIAL POLITICS

Date: Sun 5th October 5, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Cost: £30

INTERMEDIATE POETRY WORKSHOP

Date: Tues 7th October 5, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Cost: £40

CREATIVE BRUNCH WITH INNOVATE UK BUSINESS GROWTH

Date: Wed 8th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10.30am

CREATIVE ADVENTURE CLUB

Date: Wed 8th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 6.30pm

GETTING RETAIL READY FIELDTRIP

Date: Fri 10th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St & Various

Contributors: Born & Bred, Hunter Paper Co, Story Box,

Time: 10am - 4pm

CREATIVE TALK WITH CIARAN CRUDDEN CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LAST BRAND

Date: Wed 15th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 7pm - 8pm

Cost: Free

DIGITAL BRUNCH: CREATIVE AUDIO FOR BEGINNERS

Date: Sat 25th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10am - 1pm

WOMENFOLK X KITSCH SISTERS VISION BOARD WORKSHOP

Date: Sun 26th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 2pm - 4pm

WOMENFOLK PEER MENTORING

Date: Tes 30th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 7pm - 9pm

For more information or to book tickets visit the events page of our website: https://blickstudios.org/events/

Today in his interview with us ahead of his creative talk next week Ciaran shares with us some advice for other creatives on a similar path!

If you want to sign up for his talk next Wed 15th  just visit the events page of our website! https://blickstudios.org/events/

Oct 6

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18106379149592107
Today in his interview with us ahead of his creative talk next week Ciaran shares with us some advice for other creatives on a similar path!

If you want to sign up for his talk next Wed 15th  just visit the events page of our website! https://blickstudios.org/events/

** THE CREATIVE ADVENTURE CLUB **

This Autumn we are collaborating with our friends at Homewerk @homewerk.project  with this new project. The Creative Adventure Club, a 9-week experiment in shaking up your routine.

Every fortnight we`ll meet in person in our Hill Street studios to get quirky creative assignments and share our work with a small, friendly community, and between these sessions we`ll meet online for creative check-ins and inspiration!

It’s totally free to join while we trial it—but if you’d like to toss a coin in the hat to help cover costs, we promise to spend it on snacks!

For more info & to sign up visit the events page of our website (link below and in profile)

https://blickstudios.org/events/creative-adventure-club-with-homewerk/

Oct 6

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18071516429237438
** THE CREATIVE ADVENTURE CLUB **

This Autumn we are collaborating with our friends at Homewerk @homewerk.project  with this new project. The Creative Adventure Club, a 9-week experiment in shaking up your routine.

Every fortnight we'll meet in person in our Hill Street studios to get quirky creative assignments and share our work with a small, friendly community, and between these sessions we'll meet online for creative check-ins and inspiration!

It’s totally free to join while we trial it—but if you’d like to toss a coin in the hat to help cover costs, we promise to spend it on snacks!

For more info & to sign up visit the events page of our website (link below and in profile)

https://blickstudios.org/events/creative-adventure-club-with-homewerk/

We have two dedicated deskspaces available in our beautiful Hill St studios from 1st November

– £165 per calendar month for one desk or £285 for both desks

- 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/

Oct 6

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18376860847197847
We have two dedicated deskspaces available in our beautiful Hill St studios from 1st November

– £165 per calendar month for one desk or £285 for both desks

- 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/

An unusually quiet Friday on Hill Street due to the weather earlier this evening

Oct 3

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18057194561192642
An unusually quiet Friday on Hill Street due to the weather earlier this evening

Today in his interview with us ahead of his creative talk for us later this month Ciaran shares with us about the biggest hurdle he faced when starting his own creative business

If you want to sign up for the talk just visit the events page of our website! https://blickstudios.org/events/

Oct 3

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18363748099157911
Today in his interview with us ahead of his creative talk for us later this month Ciaran shares with us about the biggest hurdle he faced when starting his own creative business

If you want to sign up for the talk just visit the events page of our website! https://blickstudios.org/events/

Today in our interview with Ciaran Crudden ahead of his creative talk for us later this month he shares some of his experiences running his own creative business!

If you want to sign up for the talk on Wed 15th October just visit the events page of our website! 

https://blickstudios.org/events/

Oct 2

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18102676009719949
Today in our interview with Ciaran Crudden ahead of his creative talk for us later this month he shares some of his experiences running his own creative business!

If you want to sign up for the talk on Wed 15th October just visit the events page of our website! 

https://blickstudios.org/events/

In 2 weeks on Wed 15th October Ciaran Crudden founder and creative director of the last brand is sharing his creative story with us at our next Creative Talk.

Ahead of his talk we have done a short interview with Ciaran which we will be sharing over the next week or so. Starting today with an introduction to Ciaran, his business and why he wanted to start it in the first place!

If you want to sign up for the talk just visit the events page of our website! 

https://blickstudios.org/events/

Oct 1

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18071904929180711
In 2 weeks on Wed 15th October Ciaran Crudden founder and creative director of the last brand is sharing his creative story with us at our next Creative Talk.

Ahead of his talk we have done a short interview with Ciaran which we will be sharing over the next week or so. Starting today with an introduction to Ciaran, his business and why he wanted to start it in the first place!

If you want to sign up for the talk just visit the events page of our website! 

https://blickstudios.org/events/

* * * EVENTS AT BLICK THIS OCTOBER * * *

Some of our upcoming events at Blick this October

* * DECOLONIAL POLITICS * *

Date: Sun 5th October, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Cost: £30

* * INTERMEDIATE POETRY WORKSHOP * *

Date: Tues 7th October, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Cost: £40

* * CREATIVE BRUNCH WITH INNOVATE UK BUSINESS GROWTH * *

Date: Wed 8th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10.30am

* * CREATIVE TALK WITH CIARAN CRUDDEN CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LAST BRAND * *

Date: Wed 15th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 7pm - 8pm

Cost: Free

* * DIGITAL BRUNCH: CREATIVE AUDIO FOR BEGINNERS * *

Date: Sat 25th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10am - 1pm

* * NEW Womenfolk EVENTS & WORKSHOPS TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY * *

For more information or to book tickets visit the events page of our website: https://blickstudios.org/events/

Oct 1

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17914947780067593
* * * EVENTS AT BLICK THIS OCTOBER * * *

Some of our upcoming events at Blick this October

* * DECOLONIAL POLITICS * *

Date: Sun 5th October, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Cost: £30

* * INTERMEDIATE POETRY WORKSHOP * *

Date: Tues 7th October, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Cost: £40

* * CREATIVE BRUNCH WITH INNOVATE UK BUSINESS GROWTH * *

Date: Wed 8th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10.30am

* * CREATIVE TALK WITH CIARAN CRUDDEN CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LAST BRAND * *

Date: Wed 15th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 7pm - 8pm

Cost: Free

* * DIGITAL BRUNCH: CREATIVE AUDIO FOR BEGINNERS * *

Date: Sat 25th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10am - 1pm

* * NEW Womenfolk EVENTS & WORKSHOPS TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY * * 

For more information or to book tickets visit the events page of our website: https://blickstudios.org/events/

* * Digital Brunch: Creative Audio for Beginners * *

Are you curious about how to bring stories to life through sound? In this session we’ll be joined by radio and audio producer Owen McFadden from WhyFi Productions, who’ll draw on his experience of creating award-winning audio for BBC Radio Ulster, Radio 4 and more, to give insights into the basics of recording, editing, and shaping audio into compelling listening. Whether you’re curious about podcasting, oral history, or creative soundscapes, this session will give you time and inspiration to think about the potential and power of audio.

Workshop details
Date: Saturday 25th October
Time: 10.00am – 12.15pm
Location: Blick Studios, Hill Street, Belfast
Cost: £15.00

For more information or to book your place visit the events page of our website (link below and in profile)

https://blickstudios.org/events/digital-brunch-creative-audio-for-beginners/

Sep 30

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18084416309501574
* * Digital Brunch: Creative Audio for Beginners * * 

Are you curious about how to bring stories to life through sound? In this session we’ll be joined by radio and audio producer Owen McFadden from WhyFi Productions, who’ll draw on his experience of creating award-winning audio for BBC Radio Ulster, Radio 4 and more, to give insights into the basics of recording, editing, and shaping audio into compelling listening. Whether you’re curious about podcasting, oral history, or creative soundscapes, this session will give you time and inspiration to think about the potential and power of audio.

Workshop details
Date: Saturday 25th October
Time: 10.00am – 12.15pm
Location: Blick Studios, Hill Street, Belfast
Cost: £15.00

For more information or to book your place visit the events page of our website (link below and in profile)

https://blickstudios.org/events/digital-brunch-creative-audio-for-beginners/

* * EVENTS AT BLICK THIS OCTOBER * *

Some of our upcoming events at Blick this October

* * DECOLONIAL POLITICS * *

Date: Sun 5th October, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Cost: £30

* INTERMEDIATE POETRY WORKSHOP *

Date: Tues 7th October, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Cost: £40

* * CREATIVE BRUNCH WITH INNOVATE UK BUSINESS GROWTH * *

Date: Wed 8th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10.30am

* * CREATIVE TALK WITH CIARAN CRUDDEN CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LAST BRAND * *

Date: Wed 15th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 7pm - 8pm

Cost: Free

* * DIGITAL BRUNCH: CREATIVE AUDIO FOR BEGINNERS * *

Date: Sat 25th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10am - 1pm

* NEW Womenfolk EVENTS & WORKSHOPS TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY *

For more information or to book tickets visit the events page of our website (link below and in profile) https://blickstudios.org/events/

Sep 29

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18077130230105571
* * EVENTS AT BLICK THIS OCTOBER * * 

Some of our upcoming events at Blick this October

* * DECOLONIAL POLITICS * *

Date: Sun 5th October, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Cost: £30

* INTERMEDIATE POETRY WORKSHOP * 

Date: Tues 7th October, 2025

Venue: Blick Great Northern St

Time: 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Cost: £40

* * CREATIVE BRUNCH WITH INNOVATE UK BUSINESS GROWTH * *

Date: Wed 8th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10.30am

* * CREATIVE TALK WITH CIARAN CRUDDEN CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LAST BRAND * *

Date: Wed 15th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 7pm - 8pm

Cost: Free

* * DIGITAL BRUNCH: CREATIVE AUDIO FOR BEGINNERS * *

Date: Sat 25th Oct

Venue: Blick Hill St

Time: 10am - 1pm

* NEW Womenfolk EVENTS & WORKSHOPS TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY * 

For more information or to book tickets visit the events page of our website (link below and in profile) https://blickstudios.org/events/

BLICK VIRTUAL OFFICE SERVICE

As well as offering physical workspace we also offer virtual office space for creative businesses. You can use our Hill St address for your creative business giving your business a professional public image and keeping your home address private.

We offer 2 different services:

MONTHLY BUSINESS ADDRESS SERVICE

At the start of each month we will redirect up to 15 items of regular and standard large letter-sized business mail to the address of your choice. Post beyond the 15 letters will be charged at the price of postage, and the cost will be added to your following bill.



UK Based Creative* Business £22.50 (Monthly Rate Paid Quarterly) £200 (Annual Rate)


WEEKLY BUSINESS ADDRESS SERVICE

We will redirect business mail to the address of your choice weekly. Up to 25 items of regular and standard large letter-sized mail per calendar month. Post beyond the 25 letters will be charged at the price of postage, and the cost will be added to your following bill.



UK based Creative* Business £30 (Monthly Rate Paid Quarterly) £300 (Annual Rate)


For more info or all of our rates email rosy@blickstudios.org or visit our website: https://blickstudios.org/virtual-services/

Sep 26

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17917297134051611
BLICK VIRTUAL OFFICE SERVICE

As well as offering physical workspace we also offer virtual office space for creative businesses. You can use our Hill St address for your creative business giving your business a professional public image and keeping your home address private.

We offer 2 different services:

MONTHLY BUSINESS ADDRESS SERVICE

At the start of each month we will redirect up to 15 items of regular and standard large letter-sized business mail to the address of your choice. Post beyond the 15 letters will be charged at the price of postage, and the cost will be added to your following bill.

	
	
UK Based Creative* Business £22.50 (Monthly Rate Paid Quarterly) £200 (Annual Rate)
	

WEEKLY BUSINESS ADDRESS SERVICE

We will redirect business mail to the address of your choice weekly. Up to 25 items of regular and standard large letter-sized mail per calendar month. Post beyond the 25 letters will be charged at the price of postage, and the cost will be added to your following bill.

	
	
UK based Creative* Business £30 (Monthly Rate Paid Quarterly) £300 (Annual Rate)
	

For more info or all of our rates email rosy@blickstudios.org or visit our website: https://blickstudios.org/virtual-services/

Looking way back to our first Creative Talk of the year with Ian Pitt Founder and Creative Director of Me,Him&Her Design Studio, many thanks to @verahylands for the video! We also have a new blog with a writeup of his talk on our website. Our next creative talk is on Wed 15th October with past Blick Resident Ciaran Crudden, creative director and founder of creative agency The Last Brand. You can sign up for your free ticket on the events page of our website (link in profile)

Sep 25

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17981198714863783
Looking way back to our first Creative Talk of the year with Ian Pitt Founder and Creative Director of Me,Him&Her Design Studio, many thanks to @verahylands  for the video! We also have a new blog with a writeup of his talk on our website. Our next creative talk is on Wed 15th October with past Blick Resident Ciaran Crudden, creative director and founder of creative agency The Last Brand. You can sign up for your free ticket on the events page of our website (link in profile)

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

01. Future Screens – Future Foundation Call For Mentors and Mentees

Mentors

Future Foundation is now seeking experienced professionals to join the mentoring bank. If you have five or more years’ experience in the Creative and Cultural Industries, and at least three years of mentoring experience, they want to hear from you.

Closing date: Wednesday 01 October 2025.

Mentees

– Must have one years’ experience within Creative and cultural industries
– Not in full time education
– Primarily based in Northern Ireland
– Interested in developing/ adapting new approaches and learning new skills

Closing date: Friday 10 October 2025.

 

02. Co-builders by Catalyst – The Ideas Bootcamp
The Ideas Bootcamp is a full-day workshop that helps you shape and strengthen your ideas. Whether you are starting with a problem area or an early concept, you will refine, test, and explore its real potential through hands-on activities.
Date: Saturday 27th September at
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Catalyst, Titanic Quarter, Belfast

 

03. Digital Transformation Flexible Fund
All 6 of the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF) is now open for expressions of interest
DTFF supports small and micro businesses in Northern Ireland to invest in advanced digital technologies. The fund offers grants of £5,000 to £20,000, covering up to 70% of eligible project costs, to help businesses adopt transformative technologies.

Closing date: midday on 12.00pm 24 October

 04. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Since 1975, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) have been helping businesses and organisations innovate for growth.

05. Invest NI Innovation Vouchers
Do you have an innovation project that could lead to the development of a new or improved product, service, business model, or process? Will it create value in your business, produce new profits or help grow the business? If so, then an Innovation Voucher could help support this.

Closing date: 15:00, Friday 3 October 2025.

Full blog including links on our website ✨️ (link in profile)

Sep 24

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18327514312231125
Our latest roundup of local and international funding, support & opportunities for NI creatives

01. Future Screens – Future Foundation Call For Mentors and Mentees

Mentors

Future Foundation is now seeking experienced professionals to join the mentoring bank. If you have five or more years’ experience in the Creative and Cultural Industries, and at least three years of mentoring experience, they want to hear from you.

Closing date: Wednesday 01 October 2025.

Mentees

– Must have one years’ experience within Creative and cultural industries
– Not in full time education
– Primarily based in Northern Ireland
– Interested in developing/ adapting new approaches and learning new skills

Closing date: Friday 10 October 2025.

 

02. Co-builders by Catalyst – The Ideas Bootcamp
The Ideas Bootcamp is a full-day workshop that helps you shape and strengthen your ideas. Whether you are starting with a problem area or an early concept, you will refine, test, and explore its real potential through hands-on activities.
Date: Saturday 27th September at
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Catalyst, Titanic Quarter, Belfast

 

03. Digital Transformation Flexible Fund
All 6 of the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF) is now open for expressions of interest
DTFF supports small and micro businesses in Northern Ireland to invest in advanced digital technologies. The fund offers grants of £5,000 to £20,000, covering up to 70% of eligible project costs, to help businesses adopt transformative technologies.

Closing date: midday on 12.00pm 24 October

 04. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Since 1975, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) have been helping businesses and organisations innovate for growth. 

05. Invest NI Innovation Vouchers
Do you have an innovation project that could lead to the development of a new or improved product, service, business model, or process? Will it create value in your business, produce new profits or help grow the business? If so, then an Innovation Voucher could help support this.

Closing date: 15:00, Friday 3 October 2025.

Full blog including links on our website ✨️ (link in profile)

We`re very excited for our next Creative Talk on Wednesday 15th October at 7pm with Ciaran Crudden who used to be one of our creative residents at Blick before his business outgrew our space!

Ciaran is a really lovely guy and the founder and creative director of The Last Brand a creative studio committed to crafting brands that capture imaginations and inspire meaningful consumer interactions. Ciaran is a senior creative with over 15 years’ experience across branding, experiential, art direction and motion design. His work focuses on uncovering the visual and verbal threads that connect and resonate with audiences. Known for bold ideas and thoughtful execution, Ciaran blends strategy with creativity to craft brand communications and experiences that are both distinctive and authentic.

In this talk, Ciaran will reflect on his creative journey, offering insights into different projects, valuable lessons learned, and the real-world experience of running an independent creative studio. You can find out more about Ciaran and see his work on his website The Last Brand

Here we are also sharing some examples of his design and branding work for the drinks industry

If you would like to come along to hear Ciaran share his creative story on Wed 15th October at 7pm in our Hill St Studios you can sign up for free on our website (link in profile)

Sep 23

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We're very excited for our next Creative Talk on Wednesday 15th October at 7pm with Ciaran Crudden who used to be one of our creative residents at Blick before his business outgrew our space!

Ciaran is a really lovely guy and the founder and creative director of The Last Brand a creative studio committed to crafting brands that capture imaginations and inspire meaningful consumer interactions. Ciaran is a senior creative with over 15 years’ experience across branding, experiential, art direction and motion design. His work focuses on uncovering the visual and verbal threads that connect and resonate with audiences. Known for bold ideas and thoughtful execution, Ciaran blends strategy with creativity to craft brand communications and experiences that are both distinctive and authentic.

In this talk, Ciaran will reflect on his creative journey, offering insights into different projects, valuable lessons learned, and the real-world experience of running an independent creative studio. You can find out more about Ciaran and see his work on his website The Last Brand

Here we are also sharing some examples of his design and branding work for the drinks industry

If you would like to come along to hear Ciaran share his creative story on Wed 15th October at 7pm in our Hill St Studios you can sign up for free on our website (link in profile)

Creative Brunch with Innovate UK Business Growth 

On Wednesday 8th October at 10.30am Innovate UK will be hosting a brunch event for creatives in our Hill St studios.

Join us for a vibrant morning of inspiration, meaningful connections, and a delicious brunch curated by Yellow Door to find out more about Innovate UK and how they can support your creative business!

Event Details

Date: Wednesday 8 October 2025
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Blick Studios, Hill Street, Belfast
Breakfast by: Yellow Door

Booking link in profile

Sep 22

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18056949500174557
Creative Brunch with Innovate UK Business Growth 

On Wednesday 8th October at 10.30am Innovate UK will be hosting a brunch event for creatives in our Hill St studios.

Join us for a vibrant morning of inspiration, meaningful connections, and a delicious brunch curated by Yellow Door to find out more about Innovate UK and how they can support your creative business!

Event Details

Date: Wednesday 8 October 2025
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Blick Studios, Hill Street, Belfast
Breakfast by: Yellow Door

Booking link in profile

Great to see Culture Night back in the Cathedral Quarter on Friday night!

Sep 21

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17912509515197858
Great to see Culture Night back in the Cathedral Quarter on Friday night!

This week`s weekend reading! a write-up of 10 key lessons from the wonderful talk Ian Pitt, founder and creative director @mehimandherdesign did for us way back in February!

You can also read the full write-up on our blog (link in profile)

Our next creative talk is on Wednesday 15th October with Ciaran Crudden founder and creative director of The Last Brand. You can book your free ticket on the events page of our website 🌟 🌟

Sep 19

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18080874394787925
This week's weekend reading! a write-up of 10 key lessons from the wonderful talk Ian Pitt, founder and creative director @mehimandherdesign did for us way back in February!

You can also read the full write-up on our blog (link in profile)

Our next creative talk is on Wednesday 15th October with Ciaran Crudden founder and creative director of The Last Brand. You can book your free ticket on the events page of our website 🌟 🌟

Join us on Saturday 27th September to meet other creatives and learn more about using Canva for your creative business over coffee and pastries!

This is the first in a new series of collaborative workshops in partnership with Homewerk @homewerk.project for creatives, communicators and the digitally curious, to explore practical skills, emerging trends, and fresh ideas in digital media.

Love it or loathe it, Canva is now well established as an essential tool for creating social media posts, presentations, branding and much more besides, making graphic design accessible to everyone. If your creative or business projects have made you something of an accidental designer through Canva, this relaxed morning taster workshop will revisit some of the basics of the platform and principles of design, and demonstrate some of the ways to make the most of Canva’s capabilities.

Workshop Details

Date: Saturday 27th September
Time: 10.00am – 12.15pm
Location: Blick Studios, Hill Street, Belfast
Cost: £15.00

Booking link in profile

Sep 17

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18051437420261054
Join us on Saturday 27th September to meet other creatives and learn more about using Canva for your creative business over coffee and pastries!

This is the first in a new series of collaborative workshops in partnership with Homewerk @homewerk.project for creatives, communicators and the digitally curious, to explore practical skills, emerging trends, and fresh ideas in digital media.

Love it or loathe it, Canva is now well established as an essential tool for creating social media posts, presentations, branding and much more besides, making graphic design accessible to everyone. If your creative or business projects have made you something of an accidental designer through Canva, this relaxed morning taster workshop will revisit some of the basics of the platform and principles of design, and demonstrate some of the ways to make the most of Canva’s capabilities.

Workshop Details

Date: Saturday 27th September
Time: 10.00am – 12.15pm
Location: Blick Studios, Hill Street, Belfast
Cost: £15.00

Booking link in profile
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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