Ikon presents Out & About, a process-oriented action research programme by Artscoop Central and Edgbaston Neighbourhood Network Scheme (NNS) in South West Birmingham.

Out & About challenges conversations around ageing that typically focus on what people can’t do in later life, rather than what they can do. Through pairings with artists – Sue Guthrie, Sally Harper, Tom Jones and Lottie Wilson – in four community settings, participants explored how they can work together and experiment with learning by doing.

Following the workshops, participants visited each other and, over tea and cake, shared their creations, discussing how the process has changed them as individuals. This exhibition brings together artwork across different mediums, revealing how older adults can expand their capacity to learn and develop through diverse creative practices.

The exhibition presents an interactive evaluation and features creative activities offered by Out & About artists.

Ikon presents Out & About as part of a Creative Health programme of exhibitions and events that engage audiences in dialogue about health and wellbeing. Conversations include ageing and dying well; diversity in infant feeding; and the impact of green spaces on our wellbeing. The programme contributes a comprehensive evidence base to inform policy development for Birmingham City Council Public Health, such as a creative health strategy.

Out & About has been organised by Artscoop Central (for Edgbaston Local Arts Forum) and Age UK Birmingham and Gateway Family Services (for Edgbaston Neighbourhood Network Scheme) in co-operation with Field House Residential Home, Harborne; Plough Avenue Retirement Housing. Bartley Green; William Lench Court Social Housing, Quinton; and Multicultural Community Group at Quinton Allotments.

This exhibition is supported by Edgbaston NNS.