Latest News and Events at Blick Shared Studios

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Happy New Year everyone! We have made it into 2021 in one piece and we just wanted to take the time to recap our highlights of 2020.

In this...

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Jan 14

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Happy New Year everyone! We have made it into 2021 in one piece and we just wanted to take the time to recap our highlights of 2020.

In this current climate, things are not easy and it can feel like there is no progress being made because we are all stuck inside with a ton of restrictions.

Trust us, we are on the same boat and slowly finding our feet on how to navigate the constant changes that have been ongoing for the last while.

We do this exercise every year where we look back at all the projects and events we have done that year, as a way of celebrating the work we have done, but also to gain some perspective.

It is important to look back and reflect to recognize those achievements no matter how big and small.

We have put together some of the big projects that we launched this year and we look forward to what we can create in 2021.

- The Great Creators Podcast
- The World Turned Upside Down 4 part Audio Documentary Podcast Series
- Dig Deep
- Belfast Design Week

Check out our blog for more information on our projects and listen to the podcast series.

https://www.blickstudios.org/blog-posts/our-highlights-of-2020/

blickstudios

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We just wanted to wish everyone Merry Christmas and a Happy New year! ⁠
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What a year it has been, with everything going on. We ...

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Dec 18

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We just wanted to wish everyone Merry Christmas and a Happy New year! ⁠
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What a year it has been, with everything going on. We hope that you all take the time to relax, and have a well deserved break and slow down over the Christmas season.⁠
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Spend time with your loved ones and stay safe! ⁠
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See you all in 2021!

blickstudios

In our Malone Road studios, we currently have an ongoing exhibition where we have curated some of the artworks from the Belfast Design Week Pop Up ...

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Dec 10

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In our Malone Road studios, we currently have an ongoing exhibition where we have curated some of the artworks from the Belfast Design Week Pop Up Museum.

The artworks are in response to the Belfast Design Week 2020 theme : Environment. We love the different interpretations of the theme and the diversity of work that was produced.

We wanted to highlight some of the artists & designers that took part of the pop up museum and showcase the work that is currently at our Malone Road studios.

Check out our most recent blog on our website where you can see the full artworks, designers who created the work and information behind the pieces.

To read the full blog post, click the link in our bio!

blickstudios

‘Work Hard & Be Nice to People’ as the Anthony Burrill print says.
Be patient, and keep yourself in check. Realise your strengths and ...

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Dec 9

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‘Work Hard & Be Nice to People’ as the Anthony Burrill print says.
Be patient, and keep yourself in check. Realise your strengths and your limitations – and always ask for help if you’re stuck. If you get help where you need it, it frees up time and energy to focus on the stuff you’re good at, and that you want to be doing.
Revisiting the wise words of Alex Synge @thefirst47 in our Meet the Resident Interview this week
You can find more information about Alex's work at www.thefirst47.com/ and read the full interview on our website here:

https://www.blickstudios.org/meettheresidents/meettheresidents-the-first-47/

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Gorgeous sunny start to the week at our Hill St studios 🌞☀️

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Dec 7

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Gorgeous sunny start to the week at our Hill St studios 🌞☀️

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All 4 episodes of our @stbdpodcast audio documentary 'The World Turned Upside Down' on the impact of Covid-19 on the creative industries in ...

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Dec 4

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All 4 episodes of our @stbdpodcast audio documentary 'The World Turned Upside Down' on the impact of Covid-19 on the creative industries in Northern Ireland are available now for listening on Soundcloud Spotify and iTunes with full details on our blog (link in bio)

https://www.blickstudios.org/.../small-town-big-dream.../

Big thanks to project co-creators and hosts @karishmasworld and @graeme_theory and academic partner Dr Brian Dixon and project funders FutureScreensNI and @northernirelandscreen

blickstudios

@belfastdesignwk took place from 2nd-8th November 2020 and included a Pop-Up Design Museum in venues across Belfast city centre with work by ...

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Dec 3

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@belfastdesignwk took place from 2nd-8th November 2020 and included a Pop-Up Design Museum in venues across Belfast city centre with work by commissioned designers.

It was great to see such variety of work from designers & makers, the different types of people collaborating together and the will to keep going and showing up, despite how testing 2020 has been.

The theme of Belfast Design Week 2020 was "Environment" and it was great to see the broad spectrum of how people interpreted the theme within their work.

Thanks to everyone that joined us and supported us this year!
These are some of the highlights from this year's Belfast Design Week as filmed by @foreversocialweddings

blickstudios

'Ways of Hoping' is the second set of highlights from our Small Town Big Dreams Covid-19 Toolkit for Creatives created by Dr Brian Dixon. ...

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Dec 1

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'Ways of Hoping' is the second set of highlights from our Small Town Big Dreams Covid-19 Toolkit for Creatives created by Dr Brian Dixon. Featuring insights on how to remain positive and hopeful inspite of the ongoing impact of the pandemic

You can also download the full toolkit on our or the Small Town Big Dreams website:

https://www.blickstudios.org/belfast-design-week/small-town-big-dreams-covid-19-toolkit/

blickstudios

'Ways of Coping' is the first set of highlights from our @stbdpodcast Covid-19 Toolkit for Creatives created by Dr Brian Dixon. Featuring ...

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Nov 30

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'Ways of Coping' is the first set of highlights from our @stbdpodcast Covid-19 Toolkit for Creatives created by Dr Brian Dixon. Featuring insights on how to cope with the ongoing impact of the pandemic

You can also download the full toolkit on our or the Small Town Big Dreams website:

https://www.blickstudios.org/belfast-design-week/small-town-big-dreams-covid-19-toolkit/

blickstudios

- - - Virtual Office Services - - -

Did you know we offer virtual services for all business types with reduced rates for creative industry ...

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Nov 29

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- - - Virtual Office Services - - -

Did you know we offer virtual services for all business types with reduced rates for creative industry businesses. Whether you are just starting out and can’t yet afford workspace or are happy to work from home but are seeking a professional public image for your business.

A city centre address creates a confident and professional first impression and separates your business and home life.

We have two premises to choose from: our South Belfast address at 51 Malone Road, BT9 6RY or our Cathedral Quarter address 46 Hill Street, BT1 2LB.

Below are our prices for monthly forwarding service and we also offer a weekly mail forwarding service prices & full details on our website (link below & in bio)

UK Based Creative* Business Monthly Rate £20 Annual Rate £175

UK Based Non-Creative Business Monthly Rate £27.50 Annual Rate £275

EU Based Creative* Businesses Monthly Rate £27.50 Annual Rate £275

EU Based Non-Creative Monthly Rate Businesses £37.50 Annual Rate £375

https://www.blickstudios.org/virtual-services

#virtualoffice #business #businessaddress #Belfast #belfastcity #belfastbusiness #smallbusinessbelfast #creativehub #creativespace #creativeindustries

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We are excited to introduce our newest Blick Resident - @dannisimpsonart ⁠
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Danni is an Australian artist who specialises in Commercial ...

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Nov 27

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We are excited to introduce our newest Blick Resident - @dannisimpsonart ⁠
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Danni is an Australian artist who specialises in Commercial murals and Illustrations. Her style is an urban fusion of detailed floral illustrations where wildlife clashes with architecture and typography, sprinkled through with dashes of art deco and mandala patterns.⁠
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Danni has a side project, The Creatives Market which showcases local NI Makers and Creators will be holding a virtual Black Friday Christmas Market to encourage people to Shop Small and local this year. ⁠
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Head over to her page today to check it out or visit her website at www.dannisimpsonart.com⁠
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Be sure to check out the full interview on our website https://www.blickstudios.org/meettheresidents/meettheresident-danni-simpson/⁠
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blickstudios

This year for Belfast Design Week, we had the pleasure of curating the Pop Up Design Museum which is the second time in a row it has been ...

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Nov 26

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This year for Belfast Design Week, we had the pleasure of curating the Pop Up Design Museum which is the second time in a row it has been running.

We wanted to continue creating this project despite everything going on with the restrictions and the pandemic, we had to think differently on how we would execute the Pop Up Design Museum.

Our theme for the year was “Environment” and the exhibitions showed the many variations and interpretations of this theme, from sustainability to political environment and urban design.

With the changing scenario around the Covid-19 pandemic and concerns around health and safety, we ensured our museum was socially distanced, using venues’ outside facing windows and outdoor spaces.

It was great to see the designers and local business collaborate together to make this happen, but most of all, coming together as a community to get through this hard time.

We want to thank all of the designers and venues involved.

Designers involved:
Benji Connell of @concreteclouds__
@elham_hemmmat
Emma Stewart (Robinson) of @emmastewartphotography
Ronan Lunney of @two_digs_studio
@nichholairvine
Paul Boal of @thatcleverghost
Jenny Patterson of @jenny_eva_design
Ruth Crothers of @ruth_prints
Ciaran Hurson of @hurson_ltd
@hannahlizsharp
, @alicekerning, @alanamcdowell
Alex Synge of @thefirst47
Nicola Orme of @queensofarchive
Niall Patrick Walsh of @bubblefutures
@usfolkillustrate

Venues Involved:

@boundconcept ,@pottingersbelfast Blue Hairdressing, Blick Studios Hill street @uniquebelfast , @weareohdonuts, @theblackboxbelfast , @downtoolsbelfast, @ohyeahcentre , @taboo_donuts , Mike's Fancy Cheese Shop, @establishedcoffee , @bicyclecoffeeshop , @theyoungsavagebelfast , Biddy Farrellys, @tribalburger , @learningspaceuk & @craftnigallery

This project was supported by the Department for Communities, Future Screens NI, Northern Ireland Screen & University of Ulster Belfast School of Art

Photography by @joelavertyphotography

blickstudios

Filming this week in our main room in our Malone studios which is currently available to rent hourly or for the day or evening, prices and info on our...

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Nov 24

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Filming this week in our main room in our Malone studios which is currently available to rent hourly or for the day or evening, prices and info on our website or get in touch for more info

#creativespace #creativeworkspace #coworkingspace #creativehub #workspace #studiospace #Belfast #southbelfast

blickstudios

We had some gorgeous light shinning on our Malone Road studio this morning! Feels like the last of those crisp autumnal mornings before winter ...

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Nov 19

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We had some gorgeous light shinning on our Malone Road studio this morning! Feels like the last of those crisp autumnal mornings before winter arrives!

blickstudios

Monday morning vibes at our Cotton Court Studios! ⁠
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We love how different all of our different studio spaces are but still have the same...

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Nov 16

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Monday morning vibes at our Cotton Court Studios! ⁠
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We love how different all of our different studio spaces are but still have the same feel about them. ⁠
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We make sure in all studio spaces that there is a relaxing communal place for everyone to come together ( socially distanced of course). ⁠
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#blickstudios #creativespaces⁠

blickstudios

We've got that Friday feeling at our Hill Street Studios! We hope that you all have a great weekend and keep cozy!

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Nov 13

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We've got that Friday feeling at our Hill Street Studios! We hope that you all have a great weekend and keep cozy!

blickstudios

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact across the globe across all industries.

As a creative business-focused organization, we...

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Nov 12

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The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact across the globe across all industries.

As a creative business-focused organization, we wanted to understand how other creatives have been affected by the pandemic as well as how they have coped with the situation that has been forced upon us.

The toolkit provides an insight into how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the creative industries in Northern Ireland and gives practical advice and guidance on how to stay positive during this period of uncertainty.

The toolkit was compiled by Dr. Brian Dixon Ulster University from evidence gathered from the Small Town Big Dreams audio documentary ‘The World Turned Upside Down’ about the impact of the pandemic on NI creatives.

To get access to the toolkit, click the link in our bio and it can be downloaded or visit our website at www.blickstudios.org

blickstudios

Very sad to see the Cathedral Quarter so empty on a Saturday evening 😥

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Nov 7

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Very sad to see the Cathedral Quarter so empty on a Saturday evening 😥

blickstudios

The 4-part audio documentary series has come to an end. It has been amazing to hear different people's experiences and perspectives on how they ...

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Nov 6

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The 4-part audio documentary series has come to an end. It has been amazing to hear different people's experiences and perspectives on how they have been navigating the pandemic. We wanted to revisit the 4 episodes which are available to listen to on our website - www.blickstudios.org⁠
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Episode 1 - The Great Disruption ⁠
Our guests - Jacky, Patricia, Noxy, Sean D, and Sean McC ⁠
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Episode 2 - Together Apart ⁠
Our guests: Aisling Rusk, David Moody, Nisha Tandon & Ryan Ward ⁠
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Episode 3 - Connection Lost?⁠
Our guests: Shannon Delores O’Neill, Emma Johnston, Andi Jarvis & Lauren Taylor⁠
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Episode 4 - Staying Sane⁠
Our guests: Paddy Raff, Tessa Ann, and Matt & Abby Bonner.⁠
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We will be releasing a creative enterprise toolkit designed by Dr. Brian Dixon on Sunday as part of @belfastdesignweek⁠
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blickstudios

We only have a small window. Well not even a window really, but delighted to play a small part in @belfastdesignwk Popup Design Museum by showcasing a...

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Nov 5

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We only have a small window. Well not even a window really, but delighted to play a small part in @belfastdesignwk Popup Design Museum by showcasing a poster by @belfastschoolofart graduates Rosanna O'Kane and Athena Stokes set out to develop a message of hope as part of #BDW20 'Creatives endure'

It also has a QR code that links to @belfastschoolofart
Graphic Design Final Year students online exhibition of posters of the Cathedral Quarter area. You can also check these out on https://www.belfastdesignpopup.com/ or on Instagram @gddesignweek

The work is amazing and as a business based in the area its lovely to see these positive representations of the area especially during this current period which has impacted the area so badly. It helps give hope for the future that we will get our vibrant creative area back eventually

blickstudios

We are looking back to our final episode of the 4 part documentary - The World Turned Upside Down in collaboration with @stbdpodcast

This 4 ...

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Nov 5

Open

We are looking back to our final episode of the 4 part documentary - The World Turned Upside Down in collaboration with @stbdpodcast

This 4 part audio documentary series of sharing stories of how the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the lives and livelihoods of people working in the creative industries in Northern Ireland.

In part 4, we find out how creative entrepreneurs have attempted to maintain mental health and well-being during this very challenging time.

Here is a snippet of comedian @paddyraffcomedy sharing his experience during the pandemic.

You can listen to all 4 episodes at www.smalltownbigdreams.co.uk

blickstudios

Belfast Design Week is starting next week from 2/11/20 - 8/11/20 and we are very happy to be involved again this year.

The theme for Design...

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Oct 30

Open

Belfast Design Week is starting next week from 2/11/20 - 8/11/20 and we are very happy to be involved again this year.

The theme for Design Week this year is Environment. Design influences all aspects of our environment which in turn impacts our lives and surroundings and how we experience and live in the world.

All of the events are now live on the Belfast Design Week website, so visit www.belfastdesignweek.com

blickstudios

Behind the team of Small Town Big Dreams - Dr Brian Dixon

Dr. Brian Dixon was our academic partner for Small Town Big Dreams audio ...

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Oct 29

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Behind the team of Small Town Big Dreams - Dr Brian Dixon

Dr. Brian Dixon was our academic partner for Small Town Big Dreams audio documentary 'The World Turned Upside Down'. He worked with us throughout the series to shape the direction and select participants and to use the evidence gathered to create a Creative Enterprise Toolkit which we are launching next week as part of Belfast Design Week.

We asked Brian to tell us a bit about himself and share his experiences of the pandemic and its impact on University education as well as what he learned from the interviews for this project.

To read the full article, visit https://www.blickstudios.org/small-town-big-dreams/meet-the-team-small-town-big-dreams-dr-brian-dixon/

blickstudios

The World Turned Upside Down is a 4-part audio documentary sharing stories of how the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the lives and livelihoods of...

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Oct 23

Open

The World Turned Upside Down is a 4-part audio documentary sharing stories of how the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the lives and livelihoods of people working in the creative industries in Northern Ireland.

In Part 4, we find out how creative entrepreneurs have attempted to maintain mental health and wellbeing during this very unusual time.

With the world having been turned upside down, many people have struggled to make sense of the new normal. With so much uncertainty and when what’s at risk is as serious as people potentially dying, it’s no wonder that it has been so difficult to stay mentally well at this time, no matter how hard we try.

But 2020 has also offered a pause for thought. It has forced us to re-evaluate how we live and work. Whether we really need to go to all of those in-person work meetings, or even have as many. Whether we need to buy fast fashion or whether we can do with consuming less.

Whether we should finally do that thing we have been putting off, whether that is learning to cook or proposing to a partner.

But has 2020 fundamentally changed us as a society? Has it permanently altered the way in which we work in the creative industries? Or is it a glitch in time before we simply move on and Covid-19 eventually becomes just a distant memory?

In our season finale, you’ll hear from creative entrepreneurs Tessa Ann of the Sound Healing Spa, Matt & Abby Bonner from Forever Social - Film + Photo, and comedian Paddy Raff.

Thanks also to Alex McMillian, Katie Ireland, Chris Thompson, Dara Flanagan, and Meadhbh McIlgorm for their call-in contributions, reflecting on their experiences during 2020.

Presented by Karishma Kusurkar and Graeme Watson.

Produced in association with Blick Shared Studios, with support from Future Screens NI, Northern Ireland Screen, and Ulster University.

Supporting Academic Research by Dr. Brian Dixon.

Full Episode Details: https://www.blickstudios.org/small-town-big-dreams/audio-documentary-the-world-turned-upside-down-episode-4-staying-sane/

blickstudios

The restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic have escalated the adoption of digital communication technologies into almost everyone’s work and personal...

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Oct 22

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The restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic have escalated the adoption of digital communication technologies into almost everyone’s work and personal lives in a way that was unthinkable just a year ago.

In Part 3 of the World Turned Upside Down, we hear stories of how creatives have adapted to a life lived (and worked) almost exclusively online – the successes and challenges, disappointments and surprises. We’ll meet Shannon Dolores O'Neill from punk band @sister_ghost_ , stationary designer Emma Johnston, Newry-based American artist Lauren Taylor, and marketing expert Andi Jarvis.

The World Turned Upside Down was supported by FutureScreens NI, Northern Ireland Screen and Ulster University and it was recorded remotely.

Project management and additional support was from Blick Shared Studios. The podcast was produced, written, recorded and edited by Graeme Watson and Karishma Kusurkar. Academic research supporting the project is from Dr. Brian Dixon at Ulster University.

Episode 3 Guests: Shannon Delores O’Neill (@sister_ghost_ , GRSNI), Emma Johnston (@hunterpaperco @huntandgatherbelfast ), Andi Jarvis (@eximomarketing ) & @laurentaylorcreates )

The World Turned Upside Down is a Small Town Big Dreams Production

blickstudios

Behind the team of Small Town Big Dreams - Introducing Karishma Kusurkar who is one of the co-founders of Small Town Big Dreams, Co-Director of ...

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Oct 16

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Behind the team of Small Town Big Dreams - Introducing Karishma Kusurkar who is one of the co-founders of Small Town Big Dreams, Co-Director of Belfast Design Week, and is a multidisciplinary designer based in Belfast.⁠
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We asked her to share her experience of how lockdown was for her, what impact the pandemic caused for her business and how she was able to get through the experience. ⁠
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Karishma's key takeaway from the guests she had on the series, was how resilient everyone has been.⁠
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This seems to be the key theme in all creative businesses in the current client. Learning how to adapt to the uncertainty and learning how to move forward despite the chaos of the world. ⁠
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To read the full interview, visit our website at https://www.blickstudios.org/small-town-big-dreams/the-team-behind-small-town-big-dreams-karishma-kusurkar/⁠
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blickstudios

We love to share the new residents that join Blick Studios. We are passionate about the creative industry here in Belfast because we get to learn and ...

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Oct 15

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We are reminiscing about our Belfast Design Week Big Design Day Out 2019, where we had created an array of different events last year for both kids ...

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Oct 11

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