Ikon and Ark Birmingham Schools present Future Heritage, a vibrant exhibition showcasing artwork by KS1-4 students from Ark’s five Birmingham schools: Ark Boulton, Ark Kings, Ark St Albans, Ark Tindal and Ark Victoria.

Throughout the 2026 summer term, students embarked on a creative journey with Ikon’s Education Team, exploring the gallery’s exhibitions Break the Mould and Angela de la Cruz: UPRIGHT. Inspired by these visits, they worked alongside artists Nikki Gandy, Jo Gane, Nessa Grimes and Hazel Tomlinson through a series of in-school residencies, experimenting with new techniques, ideas and approaches to making.

Future Heritage celebrates this collaborative process, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the students’ creative development as well as the artworks they produced. Visitors are invited to discover the themes explored, the skills developed and the imaginative responses that emerged from this unique partnership.

A series of short podcasts accompanies the exhibition, giving audiences the chance to hear directly from participating students as they reflect on their experiences of working with practising artists, visiting Ikon and developing their own creative voices