An artist-run organisation founded in 1989, Flax Art Studios is located in the heart of Belfast's creative quarter. Supporting contemporary practice through the provision of subsidised physical resources and a unique working context, Flax Art is funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council. In June 2003 Flax Art's premises in Edenderry Industrial Estate were destroyed by fire. This disaster - which completely destroyed the contents of the building, including facilities and artwork - was not the end for the organisation. Instead it was taken as an opportunity to take stock and move on. Six programmes now take place each year: the International Artist in Residency Programme, hosting four artists annually by open submission; an exchange programme with the Institute for Contemporary Arts in Celje, Slovenia; an exchange programme with KHOJ in New Delhi, India; a Graduating Student Residency programme; as well as ongoing research and community outreach projects.