Vault Christmas Market bans AI-generated Art
The much-loved Vault Christmas Market returns this December to Carlisle Memorial (6–7 Dec) with a focus on supporting genuine human creativity and artistry. This year, the organisers have taken a definitive stance: no AI-generated art or products created with artificial intelligence will be permitted among the market’s traders.
The decision comes in response to growing concerns about the impact of ‘AI-generated art’ on the livelihoods of independent artists, artisans, and craftspeople, not least AI companies’ flagrant disregard for issues around copyright, privacy and the environment.
Recent high-profile events, including Australia’s recent decision not to hand tech companies free rein to mine creative content to train their AI models; or the new ‘Is This What We Want’ protest album of silent tracks by the likes of Paul McCartney, Sam Fender, and Kate Bush, demonstrate that this is a highly relevant concern with potentially devastating consequences for the arts.
The studio has taken this decision to protect the integrity of its 80+ stall-holders and studio members and ultimately the market itself, known for its beautiful and unique handmade goods, quirky festive atmosphere and community spirit.
“Our market has always been about real, quality, local and authentic art, gifts, food and drink in an environment of community festive fun, not apps and prompting machines” said Vault co-chairs Linda McBurney and Kristi McHenry. “We are also delighted to be partnering again with Belfast Buildings Trust to hold the market in the stunning surrounds of Carlisle Memorial”.
The year’s event will see, over the course of a weekend, the former church stuffed with 80+ stalls selling high-quality jewellery, original paintings and illustrations, gilded glass and stained glass, fine art prints, new and vintage clothing, ceramics, books and zines, fashion accessories and textiles, cards, macramé and crochet, homeware (vintage and antiques), and much more examples of human creativity.
The market is also a fun weekend out with friends and family and is free to visit. The Sunflower will provide drinks, with independent food and drink providers doing a range of delicious hot and cold food and drinks. DJ Venus Roller Girl and DJ Neal will provide the sounds.
In addition, there will be the regular walkabout performers, Christmas elves and ‘The Santa You Deserve’ aka ‘Bad Santa’ causing havoc, or snoozing in a corner. New for this year is a Christmas grotto like no other: the Godzilla Santa Grotto will occupy one of the most beautiful areas of the building where visitors can take photos to share. Finally, the studio is already running its hugely popular Legendary Vault Christmas Market Raffle with six enormous hampers of handmade art, crafts, textiles, food, theatre tickets and vouchers from all local independent businesses to be won.
Details:
Dates: 6–7 December 2025, 11am–5pm daily
Location: Carlisle Memorial Church, Carlisle Circus, Belfast BT13 1AB
Admission: Free, accessible, family friendly and dogs on leads permitted.
Getting there: well served by public transport; parking available at Mater Hospital, Kent St, and Millfield.