Clay, yarn and ink: The interplay between heritage crafts and contemporary art

This half day symposium reflects on Ikon’s trilogy of exhibitions – Break the Mould (2026), Thread the Loom (2025) and Start the Press! (2024) – exploring the dynamic intersection between heritage crafts and contemporary art practice.

All three exhibitions were supported by Jerwood Foundation, enabling the transformation of Ikon’s galleries into a functioning studio where artists performed their craft in real time. With additional support from Freelands Foundation, young people have had the opportunity to practice printmaking, weaving and ceramics, making public the true value of visual art education.

In dialogue with academic, artist and youth partners, this symposium asks urgent questions about the health of art school facilities in the West Midlands, and the critical role played by artist cooperatives in safeguarding heritage practices as part of a wider visual, social and ecological function.