About Pollen Studios
How we work
Pollen Studios and Gallery has welcomed many artists in to the gallery since 2011, providing opportunities for emerging and established artists to install, exhibit and perform many different types of artwork.
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At the time it was founded Pollen Studios was the only open plan studio space in Belfast. Working in an open plan studio space may not be the first choice for every artist, but the low turnover of artists through the gallery and the strong bond created within the membership is testament to the benefits of working within this environment.
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Every member has corner to call their own and, without walls, by sharing the studio and gallery spaces, we have the flexibility of space for working on different projects at the same time. Working around different schedules, we can find ourselves in the studio alone quite often.. We also arrange workshops, day trips and attend events together, sharing skills and supporting each other in the development of our practices.
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The benefits of being a member of Pollen Studios are: city centre studio location, opportunities to network and receive support form other artists experienced in diverse practices, opportunities to curate and organise exhibitions in the gallery, opportunities and call out information shared through gallery contacts and connections, SEO boosting website links. Running the studio and gallery space gives members experience of working in the art sector in different roles from administration to installation, funding applications to residential opportunities.
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As a self funded organisation we have the flexibility to accommodate events at short notice and we maintain a relationship with the Belfast School of Art, offering a Pollen BA Graduate Award of a solo exhibition every year.
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Over the next few months many of the Belfast studios will be experiencing difficult times as the city is regenerated. We hope that we can continue to play our part in the sharing and encouragement of art and culture in the heart of the city.
If you are interested in hearing more about our work or our members please contact us.
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01/
Never mind the lack of funding
Along with other studio groups in Belfast, Pollen Studios and Gallery held an open house for the Belfast Open Studios event supported by the Belfast International Arts Festival. With minimal funding, thanks to the Belfast Visual Arts Forum, we welcomed a variety of visitors to our gallery and studio spaces where they could see where we work and a sample of what we make.
https://belfastinternationalartsfestival.com/event/belfast-open-studios-4/
02/
In Review
Delighted to read the review for Susan Hughes by Slavka Sverakkova and essay on the work of Tony Hill. A great exhibition to start the year.
03/
Bleak future for galleries in Belfast
With all the changes in the city, Pollen Studios and Gallery lend support at a council meeting in Belfast City Hall to support checking the threat to studio and gallery spaces.
04/
In review
Artist Damian Magee talks about 5 exhibitions and venues for a.n news in 2017