Ikon Youth Programme

IYP ON SLOW BOAT

With the support of Freelands Foundation, over three years (2021-24) Ikon Youth Programme (IYP) navigates the waterways on board Slow Boat, a converted narrow boat. IYP are collaborating with creative thinkers and makers to reimagine Slow Boat as a local art school.

Set against the backdrop of funding cuts to arts education, we are expanding the alternative curriculum offered by IYP, raising fundamental questions concerning the definition and relevance of art.

IKON YOUTH PROGRAMME

To date, IYP has delved into thinking and making – exploring performance, craft and conversations around art education.

In Year One (2021-22) they collaborated with artist Betsy Bradley to transform Slow Boat’s exterior with a radical new ‘dazzling’ design. IYP also took up residence in Birmingham’s creative workshops, engaging with traditional jewellery-making and experimental clay work.

IYP have produced a publication documenting Slow Boat, Year One, available here. If you would like a print copy, please email r.abbey@ikon-gallery.org.

In Year Two (2022-23) IYP focused on the opportunities presented by art schools in Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton. The group explored glass as a material and considered new skills such as casting and urban photography with artists, technicians and heritage workers in the West Midlands.

In Year Three (2023-24) IYP spend time print-making, weaving and writing, visiting Slow Boat in each of its locations to investigate the local area.