Tom Hicks launches his book Black Country Type at Ikon Gallery.

In June, Slow Boat was moored up in Stourbridge, a West Midlands town renowned for its integral role in the glass industry during the industrial revolution. 

Redbrick Culture Editor Ilina Jha interviews Maryam Wahid about her upcoming exhibition Dreams of Brum, which will be presented at Ikon Gallery as part of The Migrant Festival 2023. Reproduced with kind permission from Redbrick.

This showcase is a celebration of artworks made by pupils from thirteen Birmingham primary schools during Spring/Summer 2023, as part of Creative Connections, the regional schools’ consortia.

Last week we launched our new exhibition with Melati Suryodarmo, Passionate Pilgrim. Melati Suryodarmo is one of Indonesia’s most important living artists, known for her strenuous durational performances that last several hours, testing the limits of the human mind and body

We were delighted to receive over 600 entries to the Brindley Cherry Blossoms Photography Competition earlier this month. Organised in partnership with Brindleyplace, Ikon invited visitors to capture the cherry blossom trees in Oozells Square, and we can now announce the winners.

Brindleyplace and Ikon are encouraging you to capture the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms in Oozells Square by holding a Brindley Cherry Blossoms Photography Competition.

Ikon is proud to be a partner in National Treasures 2024, a key strand of the programme celebrating The National Gallery’s Bicentenary.    

Artist and filmmaker John Akomfrah RA will represent Great Britain at the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia in 2024, the British Council has announced.

As we approach the end of 2022, we would like to thank everyone who has supported Ikon during the year. We remain committed to offering free experiences of art for all, including our exhibitions, off-site projects, talks, tours and workshops.

Ikon announces its future exhibitions and education programmes for 2023. Find out what’s coming up!

Ikon enters a new phase in its history as Jonathan Watkins, Director since 1999, has completed his time leading the gallery. During the coming period members of the current senior management team will take on new roles and responsibilities.

Today Jonathan Watkins steps down as Ikon Director. Thank you for your 23 years of service, for leading Ikon to where it is today and for your commitment to presenting the very best contemporary art. The impact of your dedication and leadership is felt by all at Ikon, the many artists you have supported and the much wider cultural community.

Families spent time together making and experimenting with creative, hands-on activities inspired by Mayunkiki’s exhibition.

For one day, 31 d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists staged Dada inspired interventions in museums and galleries across the Plus Tate network as part of We Are Invisible We Are Visible (WAIWAV). British artist Aaron Williamson performed Hiding in 3D at Ikon. Find out more.

Ikon’s activity packs (Key Stages 1 – 4) are designed for creative learning at school or home. Inspired by Hew Locke’s Foreign Exchange, presented by Birmingham 2022 Festival.

Following the announcement that Jonathan Watkins is stepping down as Director of Ikon, the Board of Trustees and Arts Council England released the following statements:

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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