Behind The Studio Door – QSS & Creative Exchange

Guided Tours are sold out, but visitors are welcome to come and explore both spaces at their own pace.

Step inside the city’s creative engine rooms as over 65 artists open their doors across Creative Exchange & QSS Studios & Gallery.

Roam at your own pace or join a guided tour for conversations with artists working across sculpture, ceramics, textiles, painting and more. Refreshments will be available throughout the day.

Founded in 1996, Creative Exchange Artist Studios is home to a collective of artists working across ceramics, sculpture, textiles, and painting, all in an atmosphere that nurtures creative exchange and experimentation.

QSS Studios & Gallery provide affordable, high-quality studios for professional visual artists at all career stages and host a year-round programme of exhibitions and events.

Both studios are vital to East Belfast’s cultural landscape. It’s a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how contemporary art is shaped, shared, and quietly sustained in this corner of the city.

This event is part of Belfast International Arts Festival.

Image credit: Kate O’Neill in her studio at QSS Studios & Gallery. Photograph by Tim Millen.

Access Information

QSS:
Our galleries are located on the second floor of The Arches Centre, accessible via stairs as well as a lift. For entry to the space, please buzz the intercom marked QSS to be let in. On the second floor is an accessible bathroom, located directly next to the lift. Staff will be on hand to help with any access needs you may have. For any more information, please get in touch with us at [email protected]

Creative Exchange:
Our main studios are in Unit B4 on the ground floor of Portview Trade Centre, and our Emerging Exchange studios are in A-Block on level 2. There is lift and stair access to the upper floors, but space within individual studios is limited. Free parking is available on site. If you have any access or mobility needs, please get in touch in advance so we can do our best to accommodate you during your visit at [email protected]