Schools Detail

Exhibition Tours and Self Guided Visits

Free self guided visits and paid 1 hour exhibition tours are available for educational groups. They provide specialist insight into the current exhibitions and opportunities for discussion.

• The Learning team are happy to discuss the exhibition programme and the needs of your group beforehand to ensure you get the most out of your visit
• Tours last for 60mins and cover both floors of the gallery
• Tours are charged at per tour (maximum group size 30). Please note that larger groups of over 30 pupils will need to book more than one tour.
• All tours are led by a member of the Ikon Learning Team
• Payment is all done either on the day or by ringing beforehand on 0121 248 0708 and asking for the Ikon Shop.

Advance booking is essential as booked groups have priority.

Practical Workshops

Ikon invites schools to visit our exhibitions and take part in activities tailored to your curriculum.  We aim to:

• Provide a unique gallery experience in close proximity to original works of art
• Encourage discussion around artistic forms, techniques and subjects
• Draw out key themes of the historical, social, cultural and global context of art
• Develop ideas, knowledge and understanding through artist-led workshops
• Explore media in drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, sculpture and clay
• Workshops take place at Ikon and include a tour of the current exhibition
• Maximum group size 30

Please check out our full schools offer and contact the Learning team by email: learning@ikon-gallery.org

Before Your Visit

To help you plan your visit downloadable resources are available:

• Our Schools Offer
• Risk Assessment
• Polly Apfelbaum – Exhibition Guide
• Polly Apfelbaum – An Educator’s Resource

There is also a Resource Room on the second floor which is open to all visitors. This contains books, films and supporting material about the current exhibitions.

Teachers Continuous Professional Development

Inspired by our current exhibitions, Ikon devises Creative Teacher Retreats. These provide an alternative environment to develop your own artistic practice while contextualising  your learning background. Hosted by the Ikon Learning Team and a visiting artist these events are organised in collaboration with regional teacher’s network 4MAT and Birmingham Educational Partnership.

Please check our What’s On page for upcoming events.

Arts Award

Ikon is an Arts Award centre with members of the Learning team who are trained to deliver Arts Award  at any level as part of a visit to the gallery. Contact the Learning Team on 0121 248 0708 or email learning@ikon-gallery.org to discuss a tour or practical workshop to suit your pupils’ needs.