Twenty-three years on, it is with strong mixed emotions that I announce my stepping down as the Director of Ikon in October. It is a job I’ve loved – more and more, in fact – but a still small voice is telling me that now is the right time to strike out in pursuit of new adventures.

The latest post by Dean Kelland, Ikon’s artist in residence at HMP Grendon.   “My next thought was not of Mike Nesmith but of Dirk Gently, the cover of my notebook and the interconnectedness of all things.”

Sale now on, enjoy 30% off in Ikon Shop.*

1937 – 2021 “John Salt was not only a very gifted artist, but also a wonderful man. His modesty and unpretentiousness belied an international reputation, well deserved, and it was a privilege to know him.” Jonathan Watkins, Ikon Director.

Choose Ikon for your Christmas shopping this year! Browse our books, prints, stationery, jewellery, homeware and gifts in person at the gallery or online.

Ikon is delighted to announce plans for 2022-23 including exhibitions, off-site projects and events.

Read what Ikon Youth Programme members have been up to over the last few months.

This Autumn, Ikon partners with Migrant Voice and the School of Education, University of Birmingham on a project with artist Vanley Burke.

The latest post by Dean Kelland, Ikon’s artist in residence at HMP Grendon.   “…in one way or another we’ve been wearing masks all our lives.”

Browse Ikon’s catalogues and limited editions, produced to accompany our Autumn exhibitions by Mit Jai Inn and Bill Woodrow and Richard Deacon.

By Rosie Abbey, Ikon Youth Programme Coordinator

The latest post by Dean Kelland, Ikon’s artist in residence at HMP Grendon.  

Ikon Founder Artist 1933 – 2021. Jesse Bruton was a founder of Ikon, first opening its doors to the public in April 1965, and a loyal supporter of the gallery to the end. His 2016 retrospective was one of Ikon’s most popular exhibitions, a reminder for old friends of his unique imagination and artistic talent, and a revelation for younger audiences.

Ikon presents the third annual Migrant Festival. A four day programme mixing visual art, music, film and performance, it celebrates the contribution made by refugees and migrants to Birmingham and the UK, whilst bearing witness to the hardships and sacrifices involved.

On Monday 26 July, Selfridges Birmingham unveils a new, large scale art installation by multidisciplinary artist Osman Yousefzada.

In this interview with Head of Clinical Services, Richard Shuker and Lead Creative Psychotherapist, Jo Augustus, Dean Kelland discusses the role of creative practice, the notion of community and the importance of group work at HMP Grendon in the context of the prison’s radical approach to therapy, which informs the artist residency.

Jonathan Watkins, Director, Ikon and Deborah Kermode, CEO & Artistic Director, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) discuss A Very Special Place: Ikon in the 1990s.

Ikon is delighted to be part of a major new cultural exchange between Australia and the United Kingdom (UK), celebrating each nation’s diverse and innovative artist communities and cultural sectors.

For ten years Ikon Youth Programme (IYP) has steered Slow Boat around the canals of the West Midlands and beyond. A converted narrow boat, it is a unique floating space for IYP, local communities and artists to make and experience art in a stimulating and creative environment.

The latest post by Dean Kelland, Ikon’s artist in residence at HMP Grendon.   “How much is too much masculinity?”

Would you like to join the Ikon team? We are hiring for three exciting roles.

To mark the opening of Ikon for Artists, award winning comedian, writer, artist and television host, Joe Lycett, discusses his eight favourite works of art with Jonathan Watkins, Ikon Director. Ikon for Artists is an exhibition of artworks for sale by over 250 Birmingham artists, including Joe Lycett. 100% of the proceeds from artwork sales go directly to the artists.

Watch an interview with Melanie Pocock, Ikon Curator, to learn more about Ikon for Artists.

Ikon is delighted to announce the support of Freelands Foundation in developing Ikon Youth Programme (IYP), which for ten years has navigated Slow Boat around the waterways of the West Midlands and beyond. During 2021-2024, we will expand the alternative curriculum offered by IYP, raising fundamental questions concerning the definition and relevance of art against a backdrop of societal change.