BCU Tuesdays

Ikon is pleased to announce an innovative new partnership with Birmingham City University (BCU) which enables the gallery to open on Tuesdays for a year (October 2024 – September 2025). With BCU Tuesdays, visitors can enjoy an additional day of free entry to Ikon’s exhibitions, starting with the current show Friends in Love and War – L’Éloge des meilleur·es ennemi·es.

Ikon, now in its 60th year, was founded in 1964 by a group of artist teachers from Birmingham School of Art at Birmingham City University (BCU). The gallery now welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually, remains free for everyone and works to address key social issues whilst championing arts education and social mobility. 

On BCU Tuesdays, Ikon hosts gallery visits from education groups including BCU and regional schools and colleges. Ikon will also facilitate free BCU Explore Days, delivered by BCU Art Design and Media staff to introduce Key Stage 4 and 5 students to the creative industries. In Summer 2025 Ikon and BCU will co-produce a Creative Careers Fair, showcasing professional development and employment opportunities within the West Midlands’ arts and cultural sector.