Ikon’s Slow Boat programme takes place onboard the Aaron Manby, a canal boat generously leased from Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council. Read more about its history.

Ikon Slow Boat

SLOW BOAT
(2011-13)

Slow Boat was created in response to the Ikon Youth Programme’s request for ‘a space of their own’ and they used it to produce, present and promote their work. IYP also worked with other artists to turn Slow Boat into a ‘cabinet of curiosity’, a radio station and a floating campaign considering notions of identity, taking journeys around the Midlands and to London and back.

Resident artists: Yto Barrada, Sam Belinfante, Sarah Browne, Clayground Collective, Companis, Marjolijn Dijkman, Benedict Drew, Propeller, Queen & Crawford, Navin Rawanchaikul.

BLACK COUNTRY VOYAGES
(2014-2017)

Black Country Voyages saw Slow Boat navigate the West Midlands’ canal network with a focus on the Black Country. It became a space for stories of displacement and migration, a floating laboratory of herbal concoctions and an archive of people’s ideas about the natural world.

Resident artists: Mahtab HussainJuneau ProjectsJacques Nimki.

LOOPING THE LOOP
(2017-2019)

Looping the Loop took place between the canal and community spaces in Birmingham’s Ladywood district. During this time Slow Boat was the vehicle for a socially responsive programme, with a particular focus on encouraging greater understanding of the experiences of refugees and new arrivals to the city through artists’ residencies.

Resident artists: Birmingham Contemporary Music GroupCelebrating Sanctuary BirminghamMax EastleyMahtab Hussainidle women, Dion Kitson, Matthew Krishanu, James LomaxClaudia Losi, Maral Mamaghanizadeh, Mothership Projects, O Yama O, Ming de Nasty, Kateřina Šedá, Jane Thakoordin, Justin Wiggan, Kaye Winwood (Slow Boat Producer).

SLOW BOAT
(2021-2024)

With the support of Freelands Foundation, over three years Ikon Youth Programme (IYP) navigates the waterways on board Slow Boat. IYP are collaborating with creative thinkers and makers to reimagine Slow Boat as a local art school.

Set against the backdrop of funding cuts to arts education, we are expanding the alternative curriculum offered by IYP, raising fundamental questions concerning the definition and relevance of art.

SLOW BOAT VIDEOS

No video files found.
00:00
00:00
No video files found.
00:00
00:00
No video files found.
00:00
00:00
No video files found.
00:00
00:00

EXPLORE

View all
Slow Boat06.03.2025
Read more
Ikon Slow Boat: Stoke-on-Trent, April - May 2025
Ikon is pleased to announce Slow Boat’s visit to Stoke-on-Trent in partnership with GRAIN Projects. Taking place throughout April and May 2025, Slow Boat’s programme of activity involves artists and photographers, education partners and arts organisations, with a focus on engaging young people in North Staffordshire.
Slow Boat17.12.2024
Read more
Ikon Youth Programme / Slow Boat 2024
We caught up with Rosie Abbey, Ikon Youth Programme Coordinator, to hear about this year’s highlights for Ikon Youth Programme and Slow Boat.
Slow Boat26.01.2024
Read more
Reflections on Don't Stare
By Sonia Boué
Reflections on IYP and Ashokkumar D Mistry showcase by Sonia Boué.
Ikon Youth Programme05.12.2023
Read more
SLOW BOAT JOURNEYS 3
In August, Slow Boat began the final movements of its Year 3 tour of the West Midlands.  
Slow Boat29.08.2023
Read more
Slow Boat Journeys 2
In June, Slow Boat was moored up in Stourbridge, a West Midlands town renowned for its integral role in the glass industry during the industrial revolution. 
Slow Boat29.06.2023
Read more
Slow Boat Journeys
Slow Boat began its Year 2 tour of Birmingham and the West Midlands in Walsall, moored up outside The New Art Gallery Walsall. 
STAY IN TOUCH
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

IKON GALLERY
1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace
Birmingham, B1 2HS

GALLERY: +44 (0)121 248 0708
SHOP: +44 (0)121 248 0708

Ikon is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and Birmingham City Council.

Copyright © 2025 IKON. All rights reserved. Registered charity no. 528892