Ikon announces reopening
Ikon is delighted to announce the reopening of its gallery premises in Brindleyplace, on Thursday 20 August.
Ikon’s spring season of exhibitions, featuring John Newling, Judy Watson and Mariateresa Sartori had just started before closure in mid-March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This was hugely disappointing for the artists, having had spent years previously in preparation, and also for audiences who could no longer visit – especially in light of very positive press. Our summer season, including a survey exhibition about Ikon in the 1990s and our annual Migrant Festival – inspired by Birmingham’s cultural diversity – has had to be postponed until next year.
The dates for John Newling’s Dear Nature and Judy Watson’s exhibition have been extended until 6 September and so now can again be experienced in “real space”. For those unable to make a trip to Ikon in time, we encourage visits online, enhanced by a dynamic programme of films, artist interviews and family activities.
Admission to the gallery is still free and visitors are required to book online in advance. There are new guidelines to ensure a safe experience for everyone, including one-way systems, hand sanitiser stations and reduced capacity. Ikon’s Front of House team will be on hand to answer any queries and welcome visitors back.
We are very happy to be back at Ikon, welcoming visitors in the same friendly spirit – but now with the added frisson of face masks, sanitisers and social distancing. In other words, the artistic experience we offer will be as safe as it is exciting. We look forward very much to sharing new adventures in new ways, as it should be with contemporary art.
Jonathan Watkins, Director, Ikon
From 17 September, after a short period of closure for installation, Ikon presents THE END OF FUN!, an exhibition of work by Czech artist Krištof Kintera (b. 1973, Prague). Internationally acclaimed for his sculptural, often kinetic works imbued with a characteristic energy and imaginative wit, Kintera offers an overview of new, recent and seminal early works, shown in the UK for the first time. Ikon also houses an independent shop, stocking local authors and makers, and Yorks Café, serving speciality coffee and delicious lunches.
Ikon is a charity and we need public support now more than ever. We welcome donations to support the future of the gallery. You can donate in a number of ways – in person at the Ikon, online via our support page, or by calling Ikon Shop on 0121 248 0711. With your support we can host more landmark exhibitions, work with more schools and showcase more artists.