Skip to content
Sign up to our mailing list: Register now
  • Our Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Workspaces
    • Hill Street Belfast Cathedral Quarter, Belfast
    • Cotton Court Belfast Cathedral Quarter, Belfast
    • Great Northern Street Belfast South Belfast
    • Working Remotely? Blick’s Business Address Service
  • Virtual Office
  • Residents
    • Great Northern St Residents South Belfast Residents
    • Hill Street Residents Cathedral Quarter Residents
    • Cotton Court Residents Cathedral Quarter Residents
    • Testimonials Hear what past and present think of Blick Shared Studios
  • Events & Support
    • Events & Workshops Find out more about our upcoming events
    • Resources for Creatives Useful resources for helping you grow your creative business
    • Womenfolk Supporting self-employed creative women in Belfast
    • Projects Find out about some of our projects
  • About
    • The Blick Story
    • Our Aims & Values
    • Our Impact
    • Our Team
    • Flock Creative Consultancy
  • Workspaces
    • Hill Street Belfast Cathedral Quarter, Belfast
    • Cotton Court Belfast Cathedral Quarter, Belfast
    • Great Northern Street Belfast South Belfast
    • Working Remotely? Blick’s Business Address Service
  • Virtual Office
  • Residents
    • Great Northern St Residents South Belfast Residents
    • Hill Street Residents Cathedral Quarter Residents
    • Cotton Court Residents Cathedral Quarter Residents
    • Testimonials Hear what past and present think of Blick Shared Studios
  • Events & Support
    • Events & Workshops Find out more about our upcoming events
    • Resources for Creatives Useful resources for helping you grow your creative business
    • Womenfolk Supporting self-employed creative women in Belfast
    • Projects Find out about some of our projects
  • About
    • The Blick Story
    • Our Aims & Values
    • Our Impact
    • Our Team
    • Flock Creative Consultancy
  • Our Blog
  • Contact Us
  • View our images on Instagram
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on LinkedIn
  • View our Twitter account

#MeetTheResident – Francesca Biondi

Published: September 17, 2019

We caught up with Blick Cotton Court resident Francesca Biondi about her business Gallery 545 and new pop-up exhibition in Sea Holly gallery which is on until 26th September

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business?

I am the Art Director of Gallery 545, a new online and pop-up gallery I have been developing in particular over the past year. Gallery 545 promotes talented emerging and more established artists based in Northern Ireland showcasing their art both on its website www.gallery545.com and at pop-up exhibitions in different venues. The gallery has now become my most important project, and I see it as the culmination of my work as an art consultant. I have been working as an art consultant for over five years, bringing together my passion for visual arts and my expertise and experience in management, art history and curating. I have been supporting artists and collaborating with arts organisations, interior designers and businesses so that I can display their art pieces at exhibitions and collections and connect artists with art lovers. With Gallery 545 I have expanded my work, as the gallery now represents twenty artists and displays their art also online and at pop-up shows, thus reaching a wide and varied audience of people interested in art.

Can you tell us about your new exhibition?

My new exhibition is Gallery 545 Pop-up: Contemporary Art of Northern Ireland, a pop-up show hosted at the Sea Holly Gallery, a new beautiful space in the heart of Belfast, until 26 September. I am delighted to work with the Sea Holly, as we share the same vision and commitment to promote artists based in Northern Ireland. All the works are both at the gallery and online at www.gallery545.com, and I will talk about them during a pop-up tour on Saturday 21 September.

What is the exhibition about?

Gallery 545 Pop-up features twenty accomplished artists and showcases a unique selection of different art works encompassing suggestive landscape paintings, vibrant abstract paintings, striking portraits, unique fine art prints, delicate textile pieces and innovative painted objects. It aims to highlight the diversity of their artistic practice and the wealth of artistic talent in the region.

Who are the artists that are part of the exhibition?

The exhibition features all the artists Gallery 545 is working with. They are established, mid-career and emerging artists who have achieved recognition here and many also internationally.  I would like to mention them all, as I would like to thank them and credit them for the unique pop-up show that I was able to curate with their art pieces. It’s a real privilege for me to work with such talented artists. They are Lisa Ballard, Natalia Black, Ronan Bowes, Alacoque Davey, Craig Donald, Dan Ferguson, Wendy Ferguson, Karl Hagan, Trina Hobson, Ashely B Holmes, Rachel Lawell, Aimee Melaugh, Clement McAleer, Rosie McGurran, Grace McMurray, Kevin Miller, Latisha Reihill, Charlie Scott, Anushiya Sundaralingam and Jennifer Trouton.

Why is it important to have pop up exhibitions in Belfast?

I think that pop-up exhibitions are crucial to bring art to new and varied audiences of people interested in art. I always choose welcoming and well-attended venues, spaces that visitors can easily access and where they can enjoy and discover art.

What advice would you give to emerging artists starting out in this industry?

I would advise them to find out more about local and international commercial galleries supporting emerging artists and to approach them. Even if these galleries might not be in the position to represent them, it is always helpful to receive their feedback about their work, as this can help them to identify other opportunities. Advice from other more established artists is also very helpful, as well as from non-profit organisations supporting artists, such as Visual Artists Ireland, as they can provide information about how to develop their practice.

 

If you would like to find out more about Gallery 545, visit www.gallery545.com or contact
Francesca Biondi – hello@gallery545.com / 07960 130414.
Gallery 545
Office at Blick Studios
Cotton Court
30-42 Waring Street
Belfast BT1 2ED

Gallery 545 Pop-up: Contemporary Art of Northern Ireland
Sea Holly Gallery
35 Hill Street (above the Harp Bar)
Belfast BT1 2NB

Share article:
Back to all articles

Stay in the

Sign up for our newsletter to hear from us about our projects, events and all things Blick.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Thanks for signing up!
Blick on

Some lovely pics of the RSUA Design Box featuring work by Regenerative Designer Kristen Robb @worthyearthapparel for our @belfastdesignwk Collab for Irish Design Week back in November!

Kristen`s "Dye Box` full of plants, dyes, textiles, books & secret recipes brought her studio environment from her shed in Newtownards to Belfast city centre and celebrated Regenerative Design and learning about our flora and fauna.

Mar 10

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18400228738197083
Some lovely pics of the RSUA Design Box featuring work by Regenerative Designer Kristen Robb @worthyearthapparel for our @belfastdesignwk Collab for Irish Design Week back in November! Kristen's "Dye Box' full of plants, dyes, textiles, books & secret recipes brought her studio environment from her shed in Newtownards to Belfast city centre and celebrated Regenerative Design and learning about our flora and fauna.

As part of Irish Design Week 17th – 21st November 2025 with @belfastdesignwk we co-organised and co-curated a pop-up exhibition in Belfast School of Art featuring the work of the following 10 emerging designers working in different design disciplines.

Tarika Kinney - Fashion Designer

Lauren Kelso - Illustrator

Kristen Robb - Regenerative Designer

Ciaran Magee - Architect

Laura Bragger - Product Designer

Katie Wilson - Textile Designer

Andrea Villaester - 3D Artist

Matthew Talbot - Experiential Designer

Saul Duffin - Graphic Designer

Aoife Mulvenna - Multifaceted Designer

Full details of all designers and the project are on the projects section of our website: https://blickstudios.org/projects/islands-of-design/

Mar 9

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17952536886110535
As part of Irish Design Week 17th – 21st November 2025 with @belfastdesignwk we co-organised and co-curated a pop-up exhibition in Belfast School of Art featuring the work of the following 10 emerging designers working in different design disciplines. Tarika Kinney - Fashion Designer Lauren Kelso - Illustrator Kristen Robb - Regenerative Designer Ciaran Magee - Architect Laura Bragger - Product Designer Katie Wilson - Textile Designer Andrea Villaester - 3D Artist Matthew Talbot - Experiential Designer Saul Duffin - Graphic Designer Aoife Mulvenna - Multifaceted Designer Full details of all designers and the project are on the projects section of our website: https://blickstudios.org/projects/islands-of-design/

- - BLICK FINANCE RESOURCES FOR CREATIVES - - 

The last of our finance resources for creatives to tie in with our finance sessions for the Arts Council of Northern Ireland this week. Some techniques we have used to manage our costs at Blick over the years!

- Analyse all of your expenditure and think about what value it adds to your business e.g. look at your marketing expenditure to see if you are actually getting results from your adverts and promotions, are any consultants you are paying bringing added value to your business, do you need all of the subscriptions you are currently paying for?

- Be strict with yourself about business purchases. Ask yourself honestly if the purchase you are planning to buy will add value to your business or are you buying it to distract yourself or make yourself feel better or like you are doing something useful?

- Streamline your processes and systems to keep your costs low/ to increase your profitability, do you actually need to do everything you are currently doing or can you cut some of it out? Can you automate some of your processes? What can you do yourself to save costs on outsourcing.

- Make sure your bank account is the best value and shop around to see which accounts offer the lowest bank charges

- Monitor your costs as you go along rather than just at the year end. Sometimes you will find you have been paying for a subscription for something which you haven’t used all year!

- Check any supplier invoices carefully to make sure you have only been charged what you were quoted and there isn’t any added costs which you didn’t agree to.

- Check with utility suppliers e.g. broadband, electricity, mobile etc that you are on the best tariff and haven’t been pushed into expensive out of contract tariffs.

- Make sure people actually pay you! Don’t feel bad to ask for what you are owed. Follow up on any overdue invoices by sending reminders and following up with personal emails and phone calls! If you find this too difficult ask a friend or family member to help you with this or just give you moral support!

Read in full on the resources section of our website

https://blickstudios.org/resources/managing-your-cr

Mar 5

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17859664140657363
- - BLICK FINANCE RESOURCES FOR CREATIVES - -  The last of our finance resources for creatives to tie in with our finance sessions for the Arts Council of Northern Ireland this week. Some techniques we have used to manage our costs at Blick over the years! - Analyse all of your expenditure and think about what value it adds to your business e.g. look at your marketing expenditure to see if you are actually getting results from your adverts and promotions, are any consultants you are paying bringing added value to your business, do you need all of the subscriptions you are currently paying for? - Be strict with yourself about business purchases. Ask yourself honestly if the purchase you are planning to buy will add value to your business or are you buying it to distract yourself or make yourself feel better or like you are doing something useful? - Streamline your processes and systems to keep your costs low/ to increase your profitability, do you actually need to do everything you are currently doing or can you cut some of it out? Can you automate some of your processes? What can you do yourself to save costs on outsourcing. - Make sure your bank account is the best value and shop around to see which accounts offer the lowest bank charges - Monitor your costs as you go along rather than just at the year end. Sometimes you will find you have been paying for a subscription for something which you haven’t used all year! - Check any supplier invoices carefully to make sure you have only been charged what you were quoted and there isn’t any added costs which you didn’t agree to. - Check with utility suppliers e.g. broadband, electricity, mobile etc that you are on the best tariff and haven’t been pushed into expensive out of contract tariffs. - Make sure people actually pay you! Don’t feel bad to ask for what you are owed. Follow up on any overdue invoices by sending reminders and following up with personal emails and phone calls! If you find this too difficult ask a friend or family member to help you with this or just give you moral support! Read in full on the resources section of our website https://blickstudios.org/resources/managing-your-cr

First properly sunny day in the studio for long time! 🌞 ☀️

Mar 3

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17868274671571993
First properly sunny day in the studio for long time! 🌞 ☀️

Starting tonight on behalf of the Rural Community Network we are facilitating a series of 4 training sessions to support participants to have more confidence when organising rural heritage events.

Focus will be on encouraging the participants to build practical confidence, not perfection and to take the fear out of running events. Participants will be provided with useful resources, worksheets and sign posting to further support them following the training session.

It`s free to attend and there are still a couple of spaces left if you would like to join us!

Dates – Tue 3rd, Tue 10th and Mon 23rd, Tue 24th March 2026

Time – 7pm – 9pm

Location – Hill of the O’Neill & Ranfurly House, Dungannon

Free to attend, Tea/coffee and refreshments will be provided

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/4NqUE2dWgwA4ejXb7 or visit the events page of our website for more information

This event is part of RCN’s HEARTH project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund Northern Ireland

Mar 3

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18188927734362540
Starting tonight on behalf of the Rural Community Network we are facilitating a series of 4 training sessions to support participants to have more confidence when organising rural heritage events. Focus will be on encouraging the participants to build practical confidence, not perfection and to take the fear out of running events. Participants will be provided with useful resources, worksheets and sign posting to further support them following the training session. It's free to attend and there are still a couple of spaces left if you would like to join us! Dates – Tue 3rd, Tue 10th and Mon 23rd, Tue 24th March 2026 Time – 7pm – 9pm Location – Hill of the O’Neill & Ranfurly House, Dungannon Free to attend, Tea/coffee and refreshments will be provided Sign up here: https://forms.gle/4NqUE2dWgwA4ejXb7 or visit the events page of our website for more information This event is part of RCN’s HEARTH project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund Northern Ireland

This Sunday 8th March Blick resident @seasidebooksni have this great new course starting in our South Belfast Studios

Pop Culture Poetics is a six-week workshop for writers, creators, and curious minds who want to explore how pop culture can serve as a powerful muse for poetic expression. Sessions start March 8, 2026 and will be held Sundays from 5-7pm GMT at Blick Studios. £40 per person.

Each week, we’ll unpack how the media we consume shapes our understanding of identity, authenticity, and art. From The Kardashians to Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Instagram poetry, we will explore how culture is created and discuss poetry each week that utilises pop culture as a vehicle to examine race, class, gender, and sexuality. Prompts will be given each week to inspire participants to write poetry inspired by television, music, internet culture, and more. We’ll imagine the future of poetry through the lens of economic uncertainty, digital overload, and a search for authenticity in an age of constant performance, gaining a deeper understanding of pop culture as both mirror and muse. Whether you’re new to poetry or a seasoned writer looking to reignite your craft, Pop Culture Poetics invites you to bring your obsessions, your playlists, your timelines—and turn them into verse.

https://blickstudios.org/events/pop-culture-poetics/

Mar 2

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18114310879644848
This Sunday 8th March Blick resident @seasidebooksni have this great new course starting in our South Belfast Studios Pop Culture Poetics is a six-week workshop for writers, creators, and curious minds who want to explore how pop culture can serve as a powerful muse for poetic expression. Sessions start March 8, 2026 and will be held Sundays from 5-7pm GMT at Blick Studios. £40 per person. Each week, we’ll unpack how the media we consume shapes our understanding of identity, authenticity, and art. From The Kardashians to Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Instagram poetry, we will explore how culture is created and discuss poetry each week that utilises pop culture as a vehicle to examine race, class, gender, and sexuality. Prompts will be given each week to inspire participants to write poetry inspired by television, music, internet culture, and more. We’ll imagine the future of poetry through the lens of economic uncertainty, digital overload, and a search for authenticity in an age of constant performance, gaining a deeper understanding of pop culture as both mirror and muse. Whether you’re new to poetry or a seasoned writer looking to reignite your craft, Pop Culture Poetics invites you to bring your obsessions, your playlists, your timelines—and turn them into verse. https://blickstudios.org/events/pop-culture-poetics/

- - NEXT WEEK - FINANCE ADVICE SESSIONS FOR ARTISTS - -

As part of the Arts and Mental Health Partnership Programme, funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, National Lottery and the Baring Foundation we will be facilitating these 1-2-1 online Financial Advice Sessions for the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

These sessions will be an opportunity for artists to talk through their art practice finances and the tailored financial resources we will put together ahead of the sessions. Registered artists will work with us in advance of the session to ensure the outcomes are personalised to meet the financial needs of each artist. All participants will receive personalised post-session goals and actions.

For more info and to book visit:

For more info and to book visit: https://blickstudios.org/events/13482/

Feb 27

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17913256692142781
- - NEXT WEEK - FINANCE ADVICE SESSIONS FOR ARTISTS - - As part of the Arts and Mental Health Partnership Programme, funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, National Lottery and the Baring Foundation we will be facilitating these 1-2-1 online Financial Advice Sessions for the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. These sessions will be an opportunity for artists to talk through their art practice finances and the tailored financial resources we will put together ahead of the sessions. Registered artists will work with us in advance of the session to ensure the outcomes are personalised to meet the financial needs of each artist. All participants will receive personalised post-session goals and actions. For more info and to book visit: For more info and to book visit: https://blickstudios.org/events/13482/

What`s coming up at Blick over the next couple of months!

Feb 25

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17940125942999148
What's coming up at Blick over the next couple of months!

- - BLICK FINANCE RESOURCES FOR CREATIVES - BUDGET & CASHFLOW TEMPLATE--

Today we are sharing our budget and cashflow templates which you can find as downloadable excel templates on the creative resources section of our website. Filling out these templates will help you to understand your costs, plan out your expenses and reach your creative business goals.

https://blickstudios.org/resources/cashflow-template-for-creative-businesses/

Feb 25

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18094502758821274
- - BLICK FINANCE RESOURCES FOR CREATIVES - BUDGET & CASHFLOW TEMPLATE-- Today we are sharing our budget and cashflow templates which you can find as downloadable excel templates on the creative resources section of our website. Filling out these templates will help you to understand your costs, plan out your expenses and reach your creative business goals. https://blickstudios.org/resources/cashflow-template-for-creative-businesses/

- - BLICK FINANCE RESOURCES FOR CREATIVES - INVOICE TEMPLATE - -

Day 2 of our finance resources for creatives ahead of next weeks Finance one-on-ones for artists that we are facilitating for the @artscouncilni . Here we share with you what you need to include on an invoice. You can also find downloadable excel and PDF invoice templates on our website: 

https://blickstudios.org/resources/what-to-include-on-an-invoice/

Feb 24

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18067231937285797
- - BLICK FINANCE RESOURCES FOR CREATIVES - INVOICE TEMPLATE - - Day 2 of our finance resources for creatives ahead of next weeks Finance one-on-ones for artists that we are facilitating for the @artscouncilni . Here we share with you what you need to include on an invoice. You can also find downloadable excel and PDF invoice templates on our website:  https://blickstudios.org/resources/what-to-include-on-an-invoice/

- - BLICK FINANCE RESOURCES FOR CREATIVES - USEFUL LINKS - -

Ahead of our finance sessions for the Arts Council of Northern ireland next month this week we are going to be sharing out some useful finance resources for creatives from our website. Starting today with some financial links for creatives starting their own business.

HMRC what does it mean to be self-employed? – https://www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself

Registering as self-employed – https://www.gov.uk/set-up-sole-trader

Registering for VAT if your turnover exceeds £85,000 – https://www.gov.uk/vat-registration/when-to-register

Link to a cashflow template – https://www.startuploans.co.uk/cash-flow-forecast-template/

HMRC free payroll software – https://www.gov.uk/basic-paye-tools

Link to the resources page on our website: https://blickstudios.org/resources/useful-finance-resources-links/

Feb 23

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18053599460700933
- - BLICK FINANCE RESOURCES FOR CREATIVES - USEFUL LINKS - - Ahead of our finance sessions for the Arts Council of Northern ireland next month this week we are going to be sharing out some useful finance resources for creatives from our website. Starting today with some financial links for creatives starting their own business. HMRC what does it mean to be self-employed? – https://www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself Registering as self-employed – https://www.gov.uk/set-up-sole-trader Registering for VAT if your turnover exceeds £85,000 – https://www.gov.uk/vat-registration/when-to-register Link to a cashflow template – https://www.startuploans.co.uk/cash-flow-forecast-template/ HMRC free payroll software – https://www.gov.uk/basic-paye-tools Link to the resources page on our website: https://blickstudios.org/resources/useful-finance-resources-links/

Some great insights from @laurenkelsoillustrator `s creative talk for us back in May last year!

Feb 20

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17923280094249530
Some great insights from @laurenkelsoillustrator 's creative talk for us back in May last year!

- - FINANCE ADVICE SESSIONS FOR ARTISTS - -

As part of the Arts and Mental Health Partnership Programme, funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, National Lottery and the Baring 
Foundation, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland will be running 2 x online sessions and 5 x in-person Self-Care Workshops for Individual Artists in Derry/Londonderry this March. 

Including these 1-2-1 online Financial Advice Sessions we will be hosting for registered artists to talk through their art practice finances and the tailored financial resources we will put together ahead of the sessions. Registered artists will work with us in advance of the session to ensure the outcomes are personalised to meet the financial needs of each artist. All participants will receive personalised post-session goals and actions.

For more info and to book visit: https://blickstudios.org/events/13482/

Feb 19

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18058849943680267
- - FINANCE ADVICE SESSIONS FOR ARTISTS - - As part of the Arts and Mental Health Partnership Programme, funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, National Lottery and the Baring  Foundation, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland will be running 2 x online sessions and 5 x in-person Self-Care Workshops for Individual Artists in Derry/Londonderry this March.  Including these 1-2-1 online Financial Advice Sessions we will be hosting for registered artists to talk through their art practice finances and the tailored financial resources we will put together ahead of the sessions. Registered artists will work with us in advance of the session to ensure the outcomes are personalised to meet the financial needs of each artist. All participants will receive personalised post-session goals and actions. For more info and to book visit: https://blickstudios.org/events/13482/

- - THE BLICK STORY PART 3 - 2020 - 2025 - -

Part 3 of our story at Blick taking us from 2020 - 2025

This period took us through the stress of rebuilding following the pandemic, but also wonderful experiences like:

- Womenfolk DIg Deep which allowed us to support 27 young women to start and grow their creative businesses over a 9-month period

- Our Time is Now video podcast series which told the stories of 4 successful Belfast creatives

- A fabulous trip to Hong Kong to put together a design installation

-A bittersweet studio move from our first proper studios on the Malone Road to Great Northern Street just off the Lisburn Road.

Currently we are busy working on Belfast Design Week 2026 among other things

You can read our full story on our website: https://blickstudios.org/the-team/the-blick-story/

Feb 18

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18121831324600591
- - THE BLICK STORY PART 3 - 2020 - 2025 - - Part 3 of our story at Blick taking us from 2020 - 2025 This period took us through the stress of rebuilding following the pandemic, but also wonderful experiences like: - Womenfolk DIg Deep which allowed us to support 27 young women to start and grow their creative businesses over a 9-month period - Our Time is Now video podcast series which told the stories of 4 successful Belfast creatives - A fabulous trip to Hong Kong to put together a design installation -A bittersweet studio move from our first proper studios on the Malone Road to Great Northern Street just off the Lisburn Road. Currently we are busy working on Belfast Design Week 2026 among other things You can read our full story on our website: https://blickstudios.org/the-team/the-blick-story/

- - SHARED CREATIVE WORKSPACE AVAILABLE - -

We have dedicated deskspaces available in our beautiful Hill St studios
– £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 (link below and in profile )
https://blickstudios.org/locations/hill-street-belfast/

Feb 17

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17858866071608352
- - SHARED CREATIVE WORKSPACE AVAILABLE - - We have dedicated deskspaces available in our beautiful Hill St studios – £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 (link below and in profile ) https://blickstudios.org/locations/hill-street-belfast/

- - BLICK CREATIVE RESOURCES - NESTA CREATIVE ENTERPRISE TOOLKIT - -

A great weekend exercise for anyone with an idea for a creative business!

The idea for Blick came during a NESTA https://www.nesta.org.uk/ creative enterprise program in Belfast School of Art in 2006.

We used this toolkit back then and it`s still a great free resource to help you plan, build, test, communicate and launch your new creative business.

You can find this downloadable PDF on the resources section of our website. Link below and in profile

https://blickstudios.org/resources/nesta-creative-enterprise-toolkit/

Feb 13

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18039710012741760
- - BLICK CREATIVE RESOURCES - NESTA CREATIVE ENTERPRISE TOOLKIT - - A great weekend exercise for anyone with an idea for a creative business! The idea for Blick came during a NESTA https://www.nesta.org.uk/ creative enterprise program in Belfast School of Art in 2006. We used this toolkit back then and it's still a great free resource to help you plan, build, test, communicate and launch your new creative business. You can find this downloadable PDF on the resources section of our website. Link below and in profile https://blickstudios.org/resources/nesta-creative-enterprise-toolkit/

Our latest roundup of opportunities for NI creatives

01. Techstart Regional Innovation Challenge

Deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 17th February 2026

02. Belfast Buildings Trust Creative Belfast internships

Deadline: 20th February 2026

03. Arc’teryx x Ori Women’s Creative Grant
Deadline: 14th February 2026

04. Jerwood Foundation 2026 Funding

Deadline: 2pm, 18th March 2026

05. Atypical Generation Fund

Deadline: 10th March 2026

06.Bank of Ideas Funding

Deadline: 5pm, 23rd March 2026

07. Dragons’ Den: Social Enterprise Edition

Deadline: 5pm, 16th February 2026

08. QEST Grants for Makers and Conservators

Closing date: 18th February

09. Belfast Photo Festival Call for Submissions

Deadline: 2nd March 2026

10. Call to Enter Cinemagic’s ‘On The Pulse’ 2026 competition For Young Filmmakers

Deadline: 20th February 2026

Full details including links on our website (link below and in profile

https://blickstudios.org/blog/13483/

Feb 12

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17844448131677905
Our latest roundup of opportunities for NI creatives 01. Techstart Regional Innovation Challenge Deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 17th February 2026 02. Belfast Buildings Trust Creative Belfast internships Deadline: 20th February 2026 03. Arc’teryx x Ori Women’s Creative Grant Deadline: 14th February 2026 04. Jerwood Foundation 2026 Funding Deadline: 2pm, 18th March 2026 05. Atypical Generation Fund Deadline: 10th March 2026 06.Bank of Ideas Funding Deadline: 5pm, 23rd March 2026 07. Dragons’ Den: Social Enterprise Edition Deadline: 5pm, 16th February 2026 08. QEST Grants for Makers and Conservators Closing date: 18th February 09. Belfast Photo Festival Call for Submissions Deadline: 2nd March 2026 10. Call to Enter Cinemagic’s ‘On The Pulse’ 2026 competition For Young Filmmakers Deadline: 20th February 2026 Full details including links on our website (link below and in profile https://blickstudios.org/blog/13483/

What`s coming up at Blick over the next couple of months!

Intermediate Poetry Workshop
Event Date(s): February 3rd
Event Time: 6.30 - 8.00pm 
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 65 Great Northern Street, Belfast, BT9 7FL
Cost: £40

Womenfolk Peer Mentoring
Event Date(s): February 24th
Event Time: 7.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: Free

Belfast Writers Group – Creative Writing Workshop
Event Date(s): February 28th
Event Time: 12.00 - 4.00pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
Cost: £12
Arts Council of Northern Ireland Personalised Financial Advice Sessions Derry/Londonderry
Event Date(s): March 5th & 6th 
Event Time: Various
Location: Online
Cost: Free

Pop Culture Poetics
Event Date(s): March 8th
Event Time: 5 - 7pm
Location: Blick Shared Studios, 65 Great Northern Street, Belfast, BT9 7FL
Cost: £40

Visit the events page of our website for more info link in profile and below

https://blickstudios.org/events/

Feb 11

Open post by blickstudios with ID 17984378345952131
What's coming up at Blick over the next couple of months! Intermediate Poetry Workshop Event Date(s): February 3rd Event Time: 6.30 - 8.00pm  Location: Blick Shared Studios, 65 Great Northern Street, Belfast, BT9 7FL Cost: £40 Womenfolk Peer Mentoring Event Date(s): February 24th Event Time: 7.00pm Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB Cost: Free Belfast Writers Group – Creative Writing Workshop Event Date(s): February 28th Event Time: 12.00 - 4.00pm Location: Blick Shared Studios, 46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB Cost: £12 Arts Council of Northern Ireland Personalised Financial Advice Sessions Derry/Londonderry Event Date(s): March 5th & 6th  Event Time: Various Location: Online Cost: Free Pop Culture Poetics Event Date(s): March 8th Event Time: 5 - 7pm Location: Blick Shared Studios, 65 Great Northern Street, Belfast, BT9 7FL Cost: £40 Visit the events page of our website for more info link in profile and below https://blickstudios.org/events/

- - THE BLICK STORY PART 2 - 2012 - 2020 - -�

Part 2 of our story at Blick taking us from 2012 - 2020 which seems so long ago now!

This period was probably our busiest, looking back I have no idea how we did it all!

We expanded to the Cathedral Quarter, initially sharing premises with our friends at Flow Yoga, then moving next door to 46 Hill Street and Cotton Court. We also started and managed a creative hub in Derry/Londonderry for 3 years from 2014 for the executive office. We co-founded Belfast Design Week, Womenfolk and Small Town Big Dreams podcast as well as running lots of different events and projects at Blick before everything came to a crahing halt with the pandemic in 2020 which saw us closing our studios for a period and moving Belfast Design Week onto the
streets.

�You can read our full story on our website: �https://blickstudios.org/the-team/the-blick-story/

Feb 10

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18071641700451472
- - THE BLICK STORY PART 2 - 2012 - 2020 - -� Part 2 of our story at Blick taking us from 2012 - 2020 which seems so long ago now! This period was probably our busiest, looking back I have no idea how we did it all! We expanded to the Cathedral Quarter, initially sharing premises with our friends at Flow Yoga, then moving next door to 46 Hill Street and Cotton Court. We also started and managed a creative hub in Derry/Londonderry for 3 years from 2014 for the executive office. We co-founded Belfast Design Week, Womenfolk and Small Town Big Dreams podcast as well as running lots of different events and projects at Blick before everything came to a crahing halt with the pandemic in 2020 which saw us closing our studios for a period and moving Belfast Design Week onto the streets. �You can read our full story on our website: �https://blickstudios.org/the-team/the-blick-story/

- - BLICK BUSINESS ADDRESS 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 £22.50 (Monthly) £200 (Annually)

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.

Weekly Business Address Service £30 (Monthly) £300 (Annually)

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.

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

Feb 6

Open post by blickstudios with ID 18106000954748321
- - BLICK BUSINESS ADDRESS 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 £22.50 (Monthly) £200 (Annually) 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. Weekly Business Address Service £30 (Monthly) £300 (Annually) 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. For more info email rosy@blickstudios.org or visit our website: https://blickstudios.org/virtual-services/
Our locations:

Blick Shared Studios, Hill Street

46 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB
View map

Blick Shared Studios, Cotton Court

30-42 Waring Street, Belfast, BT1 2ED
View map

Blick Shared Studios, Great Northern St

65 Great Northern Street, Belfast, BT9 7FL
View map
02890137395 info@blickstudios.org
Follow Blick on:
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
© 2026 Blick Shared Studios. Privacy Policy. | Website by Bag of Bees Studio.
Blick Shared Studios is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland registration number NIC102158
Hit enter to search or ESC to close