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. The programme includes a free creative workshop on Saturday 10 May at Etruria Trent and Mersey Canal Visitor Moorings, Stoke-on-Trent, open to all.

Funded by Freelands Foundation until 2027, Ikon Slow Boat is a heritage narrowboat that has been converted into a ‘floating art school’, introducing young people, aged 16-21, to the rich arts and crafts heritage of the Midlands. Creative sessions involve different making practices including ceramics, glass, printmaking, photography, silversmithing and textile weaving. Led by Ikon Youth Programme (IYP), it offers a space where young people can be themselves, experimenting with the idea of an artistic identity, individually and as a collective.

With support from the Canal & River Trust’s Stoke-on-Trent team, Slow Boat tours the Trent and Mersey Canal and the Caldon Canal, making key stop-offs at Trentham, Middleport Pottery, Etruria, Westport Lake and Stockton Brook Waterworks, a Victorian pumping station. Led by GRAIN Projects, the programme explores Stoke-on-Trent’s industrial heritage and natural environment through a contemporary lens, with activities blending ceramics with photography, film-making and collage.

During this time, Ikon and GRAIN Projects work with regional artists onboard Slow Boat. Artists include Louise Adams, David Bethell, Stephen Burke, Anna Francis, Anthony Hammond, Ruby Nixon, Becky Nunes and Juneau Projects. Local arts organisations Appetite and The Portland Inn Project also utilise the workshop space onboard the boat to continue their important work with local communities. By using Slow Boat as an activity hub and exhibition space GRAIN Projects continue its tradition of working beyond the boundaries of a museum or gallery building.

“GRAIN Projects are delighted to collaborate with Ikon to bring Slow Boat to Stoke-on-Trent for the first time. The space enables so many creative and learning opportunities in an inspiring environment and highlights and commemorates the heritage of North Staffordshire during this important centenary year for the city. Passing through Etruria, Middleport and Stoke town during the spring months, hosting artist-led workshops and activities, is a unique and wonderful way of celebrating the city and its artists and communities.” Nicola Shipley, Director, GRAIN Projects

Slow Boat’s programme in Stoke-on-Trent is focused on engaging with regional youth groups and organisations who provide invaluable opportunities to young people in the city, including Middleport Matters, YMCA and the City Learning Trust. Education partners, such as Staffordshire University and Pinc College, also utilise the boat as an alternative space for study, offering a new perspective of these post-industrial towns. Alongside this programme, Ikon Youth Programme (IYP) visit Stoke-on-Trent to explore the local arts ecology, rich crafts heritage and canal network.   

Ikon Youth Programme and Slow Boat are supported by Freelands Foundation.