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About the black box belfast.
A home for live music, film, comedy, theatre, science, spoken word, visual arts, festivals…
about
We are a vibrant arts space in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, The Black Box was established in 2006 as an alternative, fringe-style theatre space. We are now one of the leading lights of the city’s arts and entertainment sector and over the last two decades, our dedication to accessibility, quality and innovation have made us one of the most beloved venues in town with audiences and artists alike.
We are passionate about removing barriers to accessing great events and improving the ability for all to experience, enjoy and engage with the arts. We programme and present work across all platforms, from music, literature, and theatre, to film, comedy, live art, cabaret and talks.
Most importantly, we provide a unique incubation space for emerging artists, curators and promoters to experiment and try out great new ideas, laying the groundwork for the future of our arts sector.
As a not-for-profit arts venue, the Black Box works closely with community initiatives, as well as with many of Belfast’s highest profile festivals.
Looking ahead to our third decade, we want to build our role a catalyst and greenhouse for Belfast’s most exciting creative talent, and to play a vital role in the city’s arts offer as a partner, programmer and home from home for artists and audiences.
history
The Black Box is housed in a Grade II listed building on Hill Street in the Historical Cathedral Quarter of Belfast, originally constructed c. 1850 and converted into its current usage as an arts venue in 2006. Hill Street, a narrow cobbled street running from Waring Street to Talbot Street, was first depicted on the 1757 map of Belfast as an entry running off Waring Street, the entry was originally known as Pott-House Lane due to the presence of a pottery shop along the street.
By the 1822 map of Belfast, the current layout of the street showed various structures lined the street, including private dwellings, a foundry and, in the mid-to-late-19th century, numerous public houses and licenced properties (Patton, p. 192).
Patton states that the building was constructed in c. 1850; however it is possible that the building possesses an earlier history. The original construction date of the building is difficult to ascertain due to the extensive refronting of the property in 1871 resulting in the current façade. The property was acquired by Bass. Ratcliff & Gretton ltd., English Brewers sometime before 1900 and continued to occupy the site until the mid-20th Century. Bass’s warehouse survived the heavy bombardment of the Belfast Docklands during the 1941 Blitz.
Become a member at The Black Box
A home for live music, theatre, literature, comedy, film, visual art, science, circus, cabaret and all points in between – The Black Box has been one of Belfast’s most beloved venues since 2006. Our new membership will be launching very soon!
Sign up now!
