Who are we?
For over 40 years, Belfast Exposed has led the way, challenging, shaping and bringing meaning to our culture and society. As Northern Ireland’s leading photographic centre, we believe photography is for everyone. Our mission is to enrich people’s lives through photography by providing high-quality services for the public, businesses, schools & universities, health trusts, the arts and the community sector.
Exhibitions
What’s On
Gallery Spaces
Showcasing world-class visual art from both internationally renowned and locally emerging photographers, our galleries offer the public an experiential space to relax, explore and learn. All our gallery spaces are open free of charge to the public, with regular events and artist talks to accompany exhibitions.
Gallery I
Gallery I is our flagship space, most often utilised for exhibitions from internationally-renowned artists and photographers. We have been privileged to host visiting exhibitions from Spain, Australia, China, USA, the Netherlands, France, and more.
Gallery II
Gallery II has proven itself as a platform for experimental exhibitions, and has a focus on local, international, emerging artists, and the next generation of curators, with a key priority to nurture and mentor during the early or next stages of their career.
Archive Gallery
The Belfast Exposed Archive is a substantial collection of over one million negatives and slides, held in trust for the community. Compiled over the last 40 years, the Archive contains contributions from both professional and amateur photographers
Studio Gallery
Primarily an exhibition space, the Studio Gallery regularly presents work from across the Belfast Exposed portfolio. Professional artists, communities, individuals, and group projects have all presented work in our Studio Gallery.
Street View
Street View was a ground-breaking initiative, introduced in response to the restrictions put in place during the pandemic, providing a multimedia exhibition experience, while people were prohibited from visiting galleries.
Offsite
Our off-site exhibition programme brings new and exciting exhibitions to communities and the wider public across Northern Ireland. Our aim is to break down accessibility barriers by making art accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.
Therapeutic
Belfast Exposed’s Therapeutic Photography programme is a transformative initiative designed to support mental health and wellbeing across Northern Ireland. Our programmes are available to those experiencing underlying mental health disorders; addiction, anxiety, isolation, depression, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, and trauma. Our programmes also benefit those who are neurodiverse or suffer from neurological disorders, including dementia and brain injuries.
Learning
Belfast Exposed has nearly 40 years’ experience delivering photography courses to the general public, and providing bespoke photography training for individuals, communities, schools and businesses. Our photography courses enable participants to learn and develop new skills, support wellbeing, assist personal development, enhance career opportunities, and support the photographic infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
Archive
Belfast Exposed maintains a substantial collection of approximately one million negatives and slides in trust for the community. The collection has been compiled over the past 40 years through contributions from professional and amateur photographers, and communities. The archive represents a valuable historical document recording political, cultural and social change in Northern Ireland over nearly four decades. The archive that reflects on our history, informs our presence and inspires a positive.
Services
Belfast Exposed provides a range of corporate services to help businesses meet their needs and corporate social responsibility strategy. We deliver bespoke photography courses for upskilling staff and team building. We offer contemporary gallery spaces to hire for meetings, seminars, workshops, networking and corporate hospitality. We provide PR and event photography, and we can curate and install contemporary artwork in your offices to inspire and stimulate creativity.
Venue Hire
Located in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, Belfast Exposed offers contemporary, multi-purpose spaces available to hire at affordable prices.
Photography Training
We work with businesses to design and deliver bespoke photography courses for upskilling staff and team building.
Artwork Display
We work with businesses to curate and install contemporary artwork displays in their premises to create an aesthetically pleasing and inviting environment for clients and visitors to experience.
Shop
We sell branded merchandise, photographic prints, and a wide range self-published, limited edition and locally produced photography books, magazine and journals.
Voice
Keep informed with the latest news, stories and projects from Belfast Exposed, artists, and the wider sector.
Irish Photo Network: Edition 2026
21st September 2026
Job Vacancy: Curator
9th April 2026
Joe McNally: Acclaimed Photographer visits Belfast Exposed
19th May 2025
Healing Through Photography: Inspiration, knowledge and connection at Belfast Exposed’s therapeutic photography conference
28th April 2025
Healing Through Photography conference: We need your feedback!
8th April 2025
HEALTH MINISTER, MIKE NESBITT, SPEAKS ABOUT NI’S MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS AT HEALING THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY CONFERENCE
7th April 2025