Statements of Thanks

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:

Not many institutions are lucky enough to have such an inspirational leader, who has devoted their professional life to ensuring that excellence, challenge and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do. At Ikon we have been supremely blessed for the last 23 years to have Jonathan Watkins at our helm. I know that I speak on behalf of all the Ikon Trustees, current and past, when I say how lucky we feel to have worked with him and to have been a small part of the journey he has taken Ikon on. Ikon has a significant place in the life of Birmingham, together with a national and international reputation for curating excellence in contemporary art. Jonathan Watkins has put Ikon and Birmingham on the map, and we have so much to thank him for.
Professor Helen Higson OBE DL
Chair, Ikon Board of Trustees

Jonathan’s extraordinary career in the arts includes almost a quarter of a century at Ikon, where his leadership and vision have brought creative opportunities and unforgettable experiences to so many visitors and artists. Jonathan’s work has had an immeasurable impact on the art world, not only in the Midlands but internationally too, and as he steps down from Ikon, we wish him every success in his next chapter as a curator.
Darren Henley
Chief Executive, Arts Council England