Art Gallery launches new youth programme
The Ikon Gallery have launched their youth programme, named ‘Slow Boat’, with renewed funding from Freelands Foundation for three years.
The Ikon Youth Programme (IYP) continues to activate a converted narrowboat as an alternative art school. The group of young people, aged 16-21, has developed a regional route which explores the rich art school heritage of Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Each year, Slow Boat travels 150 miles of canal network, with annual stop offs in Walsall, Wolverhampton, Tipton, Stourbridge, Smethwick and Coventry.
Slow Boat was created in response to Ikon Youth Programme’s request for ‘a space of their own’ through which they could produce and present their version of contemporary art as it intersects with popular culture and political activism.
Since 2011, IYP has partnered with artists and community members around the acquisition of arts and crafts knowledge and skill.
Against a backdrop of growing social media usage, IYP has collaborated with other youth groups to channel their voices, alleviate anxieties and raise awareness of justice issues.
Slow Boat is used by Ikon Youth Programme as a studio to develop and showcase new work in ceramics, glass, performance, printmaking, photography, sound art and textiles.
It is a space where young people can be themselves, experimenting with the idea of an artistic identity, individually and as a collective. In its next phase, IYP has an environmental focus, combating the climate crisis and harnessing the power of young people to lead on climate action.
IYP member, Alice said: “I was very glad to hear the funding for Ikon Youth Programme has been renewed.
“It has provided a relaxed and creative space for me away from my academic studies, where I have met lots of people with similar yet varied interests.
“There being no financial barrier has allowed me to take part to the fullest extent, leading to many unique and invaluable experiences. These experiences have supported my decision to study a creative subject at university. I hope this funding means many more people can access and gain similar experiences from IYP!”
As part of the programme, IYP present a roving series of workshops, cultural interventions and exhibitions, working with regional festivals and art events.
IYP hosts other youth initiatives, partnering with organisations such as Sandwell Youth Service.
The group connect with Further Education, including Walsall College, Glasshouse College and Halesowen College, while continuing to offer creative space for students in Higher Education, via art schools in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry.
In designing an alternative art school curriculum, IYP has engaged a global network of associate artists and educators.
During 2024 – 2027, the group embarks on new projects with: Alex Billingham, Sarah Byrne, Dylan Fox, Joanna Fursman, Jo Gane, Lucy Grubb, Annie Higgins, Mahtab Hussain, Fabien Verschaere, We Are Makers and Courtenay Welcome.
With support from Rosie Abbey, Ikon youth programme coordinator, and Dharmendra Parmar, Slow Boat coordinator, IYP produce an annual publication and review event, in collaboration with Slow Boat’s evaluator Cathy Wade.
Dr Henry Ward, director of Freelands Foundation said: “Ikon Youth Programme’s creation and exploration of ‘a space of their own’ where they could produce, present and promote their work reflects the symbiotic relationships we encourage in making and exploring.
“Slow Boat fosters process-driven art practice and re-imagines the location of an art school. We’re excited to continue supporting Ikon’s young participants with the space they need to consider, question and evolve their engagement within visual art practice.”
