Over the last few weeks, we have continued journeying north on the canal, through Stoke-on-Trent, delivering artist-led workshops with groups from across Stoke-on-Trent.

This Spring, Ikon’s Slow Boat is programmed and produced in collaboration with GRAIN Projects, an arts organisation that specialises in contemporary photography and the delivery of socially engaged photography projects, exhibitions and publications regionally and nationally.

Ikon is pleased to announce Slow Boat’s visit to Stoke-on-Trent in partnership with GRAIN Projects. Taking place throughout April and May 2025, Slow Boat’s programme of activity involves artists and photographers, education partners and arts organisations, with a focus on engaging young people in North Staffordshire.

We caught up with Rosie Abbey, Ikon Youth Programme Coordinator, to hear about this year’s highlights for Ikon Youth Programme and Slow Boat.

Reflections on IYP and Ashokkumar D Mistry showcase by Sonia Boué.

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. 

Slow Boat began its Year 2 tour of Birmingham and the West Midlands in Walsall, moored up outside The New Art Gallery Walsall. 

The Slow Boat Year Two Review took place on 2 March 2023. Ikon Youth Programme collaborated with project evaluator, artist and educator Cathy Wade to produce the event, which reflected on the Slow Boat 2022-23 programme. Eight artist-educators were invited to conduct activities as stimuli for evaluative discussion.  

Ikon Youth Programme have been very busy recently including working on the re-design of Slow Boat, workshops at Birmingham School of Jewellery and lots more!

By Rosie Abbey, Ikon Youth Programme Coordinator

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.

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.

Claudia Losi’s Being There includes this site-specific performance along Birmingham’s canals.

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:

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

Ming de Nasty is currently artist in residence on Ikon’s Slow Boat. We asked her about LADYWOOD –  a series of portraits of female refugees that are displayed around the Soho Loop. 

On Wednesday 25 July, artist and Ladywood resident Maral Mamaghanizadeh is leading a workshop on Ikon’s Slow Boat.

Read more about Oliver’s work experience week at Ikon.

Read more about Ikon Slow Boat artist-in-residence Mahtab Hussain’s, time at Ladywood Health and Community Centre.

The latest post by James Lomax, Ikon Slow Boat artist-in-residence.

Ikon Gallery’s Slow Boat has recently undergone a transformation as it embarks on its next three year programme, Looping the Loop.

Two weeks ago Ikon Youth Programme (IYP) were given the opportunity to construct Mahtab Hussain’s installation, Mitti Ka Ghar – a scaled replica of a traditional Pakistani clay house.