By Andrea Hricikova, Experience Arts Marketing Intern 

A converted narrow boat, Slow Boat is a unique floating space for local communities and artists to make and experience art in a stimulating and creative environment. Get involved and take a look at our upcoming events this summer!

It’s been a great spring on board Ikon Slow Boat! A converted narrow boat, Slow Boat is a unique floating space for local communities and artists to make and experience art in a stimulating and creative environment. Here’s an update of what’s been happening on board:

Ikon teams up again with local independent record shop The Diskery on Saturday 1 June 7-10pm as part of The Migrant Festival. We spoke to Danny Young from the Diskery to find out more!  

By Andrea Hricikova, Experience Arts Intern 

Ikon interviews artist Famina Bi, who participates in Forward: New Art from Birmingham, to hear more about her intricate pattern-based mixed media work and how she uses art as a platform to open up dialogues.

Ikon talks to artist Betsy Bradley, who participates in Forward: New Art from Birmingham, to hear more about her investigative painting, her work included in the exhibition, and her thoughts on being an artist in Birmingham.

Ikon talks to artist Larissa Shaw, who participates in Forward: New Art from Birmingham, to hear more about her tactile work, process driven approach and her connection to Birmingham.

You may recall Ikon’s 2018 exhibition Young Birmingham Artists: Ikon artists from the 1960s that looked back at work by Ikon’s founding artists, now we look forward. Forward: New Art from Birmingham is open at Medicine Bakery and Gallery until 24 March and showcases work from a thriving community of contemporary artists who represent the culture in the city today. Katharine Wade, the artist behind the new Forward crest, reveals the inspirations and meanings behind her design.

Ikon’s new exhibition Forward: New Art from Birmingham opened last week at Medicine Bakery and Gallery. We interviewed artist Antonio Roberts to hear more about his digital artwork, artistic interests and how he sees Birmingham as a place of community.

Ikon’s new exhibition Forward: New Art from Birmingham opened last night at Medicine Bakery and Gallery. We caught up with artist Emily Scarrott to hear more about her installation, inspirations and thoughts about Birmingham’s artistic community.

In the run-up to Ikon’s new exhibtion Forward: New Art from Birmingham, artist Ken Banks discusses his artwork, process and feelings about Birmingham.

Ahead of the opening of Forward: New Art from Birmingham, artist Ally Standing talks to Ikon about her art practice, what she’s exhibiting and her thoughts on being an artist in Birmingham. The first in a series of blog posts – stay tuned to hear more from artists participating in Forward. A series of artist video interviews, filmed at the artists’ studios will be released over the course of the exhibition and you can watch them on our YouTube channel here.

By artist Larissa E. Shaw

Art at HMP Grendon, the annual art exhibition was held at the prison on 27 November. The exhibition was organised by inmates of HMP Grendon under the supervision of artst-in-residence Edmund Clark. In addition to the men as well as the staff, the event was visited by over 65 invited guests. The event, held at the conference centre of the prison, is a unique opportunity for the inmates to meet other artists, curators, educators and the public and discuss their art and their time at HMP Grendon.

We need your support!

Still looking for that extra special gift? Why not consider giving the gift of art this Christmas! Ikon works with exhibiting artists to produce a range of affordable limited editions. Both established and emerging artists make work for sale and all profits support Ikon’s charitable and educational programme.

With less than one week to go until the Winter Craft Market, we are excited to announce one of our stall holders, Jo McChesney, an artist printmaker and member of Leicester Society of Artists.  Our Communications & Development Assistant, Heather, had a chat with Jo to find out more.

Interested in dreams and memories? Explore the Dreamboat Showcase open 7–11 November, 11am–5pm Wednesday–Saturday and Sunday 11am–3pm.

From Ikon’s exhibition programme and events, through to Ikon Shop, we always aim to support both emerging and established artists and creatives. Showcasing the best of local Birmingham makers, Ikon Gallery hosts a Winter Craft Market on 15 November, set in the stunning exhibition of Polly Apfelbaum. This will be a perfect chance to find unique Christmas presents, and you can enjoy 20% discount in Ikon Shop across a range of products.

HMP Cooking and Equality come from M James’ Crime, Love and Literature, a collection of a total of 21 poems, which received a Platinum Award at this year’s Koestler Awards.

By Ikon Youth Programme member Moudie Nyamadzawo

With the days drawing darker and the application for stall-holders deadline soon approaching, we are in full swing with preparations for this year’s Winter Craft Market.

32 artworks and written pieces submitted by inmates of HMP Grendon for the Koestler Trust annual arts award have received awards or commendations. This includes 20 commendations, 3 Bronze Awards, 4 Silver Awards, 3 Gold Awards, and 2 Platinum Awards for a matchstick model of Land Rover Defender 110 by Philip and a poetry collection entitled Crime, Love and Literature by Moses.