Families spent time together making and experimenting with creative, hands-on activities inspired by Mayunkiki’s exhibition.

I had made it a policy from the beginning of the residency to never ask directly about anyone’s reason for being in Grendon. I had never googled them or tried to find any details about them outside of the prison either. For this reason it was easy to interject with certainty and also not react to the list of offences that had been shared. “Who am I to judge anyone here? You’ve been judged, by others…and yourselves. The present is more than the past for me and I prefer to move forward not back.”

Recently, Ikon Youth Programme (IYP) have been fortunate enough to join the artist Tom Hicks on photo walks around Black Country areas. Find out how they got on.

For one day, 31 d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists staged Dada inspired interventions in museums and galleries across the Plus Tate network as part of We Are Invisible We Are Visible (WAIWAV). British artist Aaron Williamson performed Hiding in 3D at Ikon. Find out more.

These beautiful limited edition artworks accompany Ikon’s current exhibition by Nigerian artist Abdulrazaq Awofeso. Available in two designs, in a limited edition of 15, each artwork is forged in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter by A Wardle & Co.

Some of the highlights from The Migrant Festival 2022 (14-17 July). The festival celebrated the contribution made by refugees and migrants to Birmingham and the UK, and highlighted the migrant stories of artists in Ikon’s programme, including Abdulrazaq Awofeso and Osman Yousefzada.

Over the last few months, IYP collaborated with artist Betsy Bradley and designer Laura Jaunzems to reimagine Slow Boat as an alternative art school.

The latest post by Dean Kelland, Ikon’s artist in residence at HMP Grendon. “George, here is your matcha tea with soya.” I looked up from my screen and walked over to the counter. “Lovely, thanks Sonia.” My regular visits seemed to coincide with Sonia’s shifts and, as I arrived at the counter, she smiled. “You’re always welcome.”

Ikon Youth Programme have been very busy recently including working on the re-design of Slow Boat, workshops at Birmingham School of Jewellery and lots more!

Ikon’s activity packs (Key Stages 1 – 4) are designed for creative learning at school or home. Inspired by Hew Locke’s Foreign Exchange, presented by Birmingham 2022 Festival.

Families created colourful hanging fruit paper garlands in response to the symbolic fruits and use of illusionism in Carlo Crivelli’s paintings.

Ikon’s activity packs (Key Stages 1 – 3) are designed for creative learning at school or home. Inspired by Ikon’s exhibitions by Carlo Crivelli.

The latest post by Dean Kelland, Ikon’s artist in residence at HMP Grendon.   “What is a ‘good’ man? That’s still the question…”

Australian Aboriginal artist Yhonnie Scarce was born in Woomera, South Australia, and belongs to the Kokatha and Nukunu peoples. Back in Birmingham for a residency until late-May, Scarce working with glass, explores the political nature and aesthetic qualities of the material – in particular corresponding to the crystallisation of desert sand as a result of British nuclear tests on her homeland during 1956-63.

Inside Time, the national newspaper for prisoners and detainees, features a monthly column by Nick London (a pseudonym) giving insight into the therapy undertaken at HMP Grendon. The latest issue demonstrates how Dean Kelland’s artist residency supports therapeutic practice at the prison

From 14 June 2022, Birmingham’s city-centre sculpture of Queen Victoria in Victoria Square is reimagined by acclaimed Guyanese-British artist Hew Locke,  presented by Birmingham 2022 Festival.

Browse Ikon’s catalogues produced to accompany our Spring exhibitions by Carlo Crivelli and Britta Marakatt-Labba.

Following the announcement that Jonathan Watkins is stepping down as Director of Ikon, the Board of Trustees and Arts Council England released the following statements:

Twenty-three years on, it is with strong mixed emotions that I announce my stepping down as the Director of Ikon in October. It is a job I’ve loved – more and more, in fact – but a still small voice is telling me that now is the right time to strike out in pursuit of new adventures.

The latest post by Dean Kelland, Ikon’s artist in residence at HMP Grendon.   “My next thought was not of Mike Nesmith but of Dirk Gently, the cover of my notebook and the interconnectedness of all things.”

Ikon’s activity packs (Key Stages 1 – 4) are designed for creative learning at school or home. Inspired by Ikon’s exhibitions by Betsy Bradley and James T. Hong.

Sale now on, enjoy 30% off in Ikon Shop.*

1937 – 2021 “John Salt was not only a very gifted artist, but also a wonderful man. His modesty and unpretentiousness belied an international reputation, well deserved, and it was a privilege to know him.” Jonathan Watkins, Ikon Director.

Choose Ikon for your Christmas shopping this year! Browse our books, prints, stationery, jewellery, homeware and gifts in person at the gallery or online.