Ikon Youth Programme

IYP ON SLOW BOAT

With renewed funding from Freelands Foundation for three years (2024–2027), Ikon Youth Programme (IYP) continues to activate a converted narrowboat as an alternative art school.

The group of young people, aged 16-21, has developed a regional route which explores the rich art school heritage of Birmingham and the West Midlands. Each year, Slow Boat travels 150 miles of canal network, with annual stop offs in Walsall, Wolverhampton, Tipton, Stourbridge, Smethwick and Coventry. 

Slow Boat is used by Ikon Youth Programme as a studio to develop and showcase new work in ceramics, glass, performance, printmaking, photography, sound art and textiles. It is a space where young people can be themselves, experimenting with the idea of an artistic identity, individually and as a collective. In its next phase, IYP has an environmental focus, combating the climate crisis and harnessing the power of young people to lead on climate action. 

IKON YOUTH PROGRAMME

As part of the programme, IYP present a roving series of workshops, cultural interventions and exhibitions, working with regional festivals and art events. IYP hosts other youth initiatives, partnering with Sandwell Youth Service. The group connect with Further Education, including Walsall College, Glasshouse College and Halesowen College, while continuing to offer creative space for students in Higher Education, via art schools in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry.   

During 2024–2027, the group embarks on new projects with: Alex Billingham, Sarah Byrne, Dylan Fox, Joanna Fursman, Jo Gane, Lucy Grubb, Annie Higgins, Mahtab Hussain, Fabien Verschaere, We Are Makers and Courtenay Welcome. With support from Rosie Abbey, Ikon Youth Programme Coordinator, and Dharmendra Parmar, Slow Boat Coordinator, IYP produce an annual publication and review event, in collaboration with Slow Boat’s evaluator Cathy Wade.