Ikon presents a programme of exhibitions and events that engage audiences in dialogue about health and wellbeing. Conversations range from infant feeding in public spaces and the medicalisation of maternal bodies to the impact of natural environments on our physical and mental health.

The programme contributes a comprehensive evidence base to inform policy development for Birmingham City Council Public Health, such as a creative health strategy.

JASKIRT DHALIWAL-BOORA: GREEN SPACES
12 – 23 JUNE 2024

Green Spaces (2024) is a showcase of photography by Birmingham-born artist Jaskirt Dhaliwal-Boora and members of the Erdington community who have explored the benefits of nature to our health. This programme is supported by Living Well Consortium.

The exhibition includes new portraits by Dhaliwal-Boora of Alan, Jack, Jane, Hannah, Mary, Kayleigh and Melvyn, alongside their personal stories and own photographs, taken on disposable cameras whilst exploring Erdington.

Watch a short video about Green Spaces here

SALLY BUTCHER: VISIBLE BODIES
5 JUNE – 7 JULY 2024

Artist-in-residence Sally Butcher presents Visible Bodies, focusing on themes of gender, care and the space of the reproductive and maternal body, through the lens of her practice-based research about experiences of infertility.

Butcher works with Ikon’s display of Feeding Chair (2022), a collaborative artwork which acts as a focus for sharing experiences and challenging social attitudes towards feeding and mothering.

“It’s been really exciting that there have been different age ranges of people that have entered the space, there’s something here for everyone. The children’s area, the older texts and when the children are engaged, the adults can come and have a look around. It’s a really inviting space. I have had a lot of conversations with all types of people.”

Join Sally Butcher for a workshop to re-frame reproductive objects or for a free family workshop exploring ideas of care through creative play with words and printing.