Clipping the Ikon

Join us as we light up Ikon – with free creative workshops and performances during the day (2-5pm) and a candle-lit, ceremonial ‘clipping’ of Ikon Gallery as the sun sets (5-7pm).

The day begins with a wreath and costume-making workshop with Mariana Novotna. Participants contribute to decorating a costume and headdress for the final performance. Visitors can also enjoy live music from Karolina Wegrzyn, a South Staffordshire based Folk singer and musician, alongside Bela Emerson, Processional Cellist who will reprise her original score for Clipping the Church.

Led by Birmingham-based Czech artist Tereza Bušková, Clipping the Ikon revives a centuries-old tradition in which ‘clipping’ means to form a human chain around a sacred building or place. Bušková’s Clipping the Church performance in 2016 brought Birmingham communities together to join hands around the Erdington church and community centre. A film documenting this performance is currently showing at Ikon Gallery.

Taking inspiration from both Czech and British folklore, workshops on the day lead into a procession to encircle Ikon Gallery. Warming refreshments are available from Yorks Café.

This event is presented as part of the Birmingham Light Festival 2025 and is supported by the Grantham Yorke Trust. It celebrates the final weekend of Ikon’s exhibition Friends in Love and War – L’Éloge des meilleur·es ennemi·es.

This exhibition is supported by the British Council and is presented as part of UK/France Spotlight on Culture 2024 Together We Imagine, with additional support from Fluxus Art Projects and Birmingham City University.

2 – 4.30pm
Second Floor Galleries
Wreath and costume-making workshop with Mariana Novotna

4.45pm – 5pm
Second Floor Galleries
Live music from Karolina Wegrzyn, Folk singer and musician, and Bela Emerson, Processional Cellist who reprises her original score for Tereza Bušková’s performance Clipping the Church.

5 – 5.45pm
Outside Ikon Gallery
Performance ritual and Clipping the Ikon

6pm
Galleries close

6pm
Yorks Café at Ikon
Thank you speeches and drinks