Ikon is a partner for Birmingham 2022 Festival presents Key to the City, a public art project by internationally-acclaimed artist Paul Ramírez Jonas, brought to the UK for the first time by Birmingham based arts organisation Fierce.

This summer, be one of the thousands to award someone the Key to the City – a ceremonial honour, but also a physical key that will enable the recipient to explore private and intriguing places and spaces around the city that they might not have happened on before. From private gardens to underground tunnels, a locked museum drawer to a panoramic skyline view, opportunities to discover a secret menu as well as to witness daily worship – the Key to the City sites will bring a new perspective to the city.

The Key Exchange Ceremony site, located beneath the departure boards at New Street Station, will be open from 11am – 7pm from 28 May – 5 June inclusive and thereafter from 11am – 7pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

There is no need to register in advance, just turn up on the day. Arrive in pairs or solo to be partnered up to collect your keys – all locations are accessed using this single key. This is a FREE event. Get involved and award someone the Key to the City today.

Produced by Fierce and proudly sponsored by Yale. Images by Hank + Margot.