Vault Artist Studios launches new city-centre artist workspaces & gallery with ‘Mayday Mayday’ show celebrating workers’ rights

A new gallery and project space opens in Belfast’s Linen Quarter with an exhibition in honour of International Workers’ Day inspired by those who fought for workers’ rights and the ongoing struggles to maintain them. 

Late Night Art (7 May 2026) sees the combined launch of ‘Mayday Mayday’ and Vault Artist Studios’ new building in the heart of Belfast’s Linen Quarter. 

The Mayday Mayday exhibition’s focus on workers’ rights is timely and relevant. Funding for the arts in Northern Ireland is less than a quarter than the sum invested in the Republic and half of that in Wales. Of the estimated 14,500 artists in the North, only 29% can work full-time in the arts with the majority having to supplement their income by taking on multiple temporary jobs with little or no associated rights. Even recent attempts in Stormont to pass the Good Jobs Bill, which would give workers a range of enhanced rights, including an effective ban on zero-hour contracts, have been delayed further by a consortium of business leaders.

The show features the work of over 30 Vault Artist Studio members working across multiple disciplines. According to curator and Vault Artist Studios member Cathy Scullion:

‘’Mayday Mayday’ will act as a space to mark the collective power we have as art workers, and a reminder, at a time when AI companies are stealing artists’ work, that art is human, important and powerful’.

Stevie Maginn, Communications & Events Manager at Linen Quarter Business Improvement District, welcomed the arrival of Vault Artist Studios to the district:

“The Linen Quarter is one of Belfast’s premier business destinations, enriched by a vibrant mix of cultural, entertainment and arts venues [...] LQ BID has invested to enhance this cultural offering. The arrival of Vault Artist Studios on Bedford St strengthens this creative ecosystem and opens new opportunities for community‑focused arts programming that can be enjoyed by workers, residents and visitors. We look forward to working with Vault to make this a reality."

A special Mayday Mayday Vault fundraiser poster by artist Leo Boyd is available to purchase. All proceeds go directly to support the organisation’s work.

‘Mayday Mayday’ opens Late Night Art 7 May (6-9pm). Continues 8-10 May. 12pm - 6pm daily at Vault Gallery | Project Space, 62-66 Bedford Street, Belfast, BT2 7GH.

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