Birmingham has its art in the right place
Hundreds of local artists are to get a much-needed spotlight. GRAHAM YOUNG reports
IKON Gallery’s launch exhibition after the third lockdown will feature a collection of works by more than 250 Birmingham artists.
And for the first time in its 56-year history, everything will be up for sale.
The works have been submitted through an ‘open call’ and will be on display online as well as physically at Ikon Gallery from May.
All of the proceeds from the Brindleyplace sales will go directly to the artists.
The programme, called Ikon for Artists, has been created to support artists “whose income has been impacted by the pandemic.”
The open call was launched in December with artists able to submit one artwork up to a value of £1,000.
There was no curatorial selection process and no submission fee.
Guidelines required participants to demonstrate they had been practising fulltime or parttime as an artist in Birmingham. Submissions were welcomed across various types of media from painting and drawing to photography, textiles, sculpture and video. They are going to be exhibited in the order applications were received.
Among the items on sale will be a photograph of a Druids Heath tower block demolition and an image of King Kong with the BT Tower.
As well as partnering with Ikon in a digital event to help to promote the sale, comedian and TV presenter Joe Lycett has submitted his own item – a painting of community historian Carl Chinn, champion of the working classes turned Sunday Times bestselling author of two books about the real Peaky Blinders.
Joe, the Royal Television Society’s now double awardwinning presenter of Got Your Back and Spelling Bee, said: “Despite the pandemic the Birmingham
art scene feels like it’s at one of the most exciting junctures in years.
“The city is teeming with artists.
“It’s terrific that Ikon is giving space to display local art and I’m delighted to be involved both as an artist and as part of the gallery re-opening.”
Prof Chinn said: “I’ve never met Joe who I think is an excellent TV presenter.
“I had no idea he was doing the painting so it’s flattering that he chose to paint me.
“It’s an interesting image... and if selling it is for a good cause, that’s fine by me.”
Tickets to visit Ikon for Artists can be booked on the its website and a full list of works will be posted online from Tuesday, May 4.
Buyers will liaise directly with the individual makers.
The hope is that connections made will help to generate sales now and opportunities in the future. All artworks will be available to view in person in the gallery or online on Ikon’s website. Ikon director Jonathan Watkins said: “The Birmingham art scene has been very shaken. “The locked down days are most difficult for artists and other freelancers who depend on work generated by local and regional arts venues.
“At Ikon we are doing our best to be practically helpful.” Ikon for Artists launches with a digital event featuring Joe Lycett.
These Are A Few Of My Favourite Things will feature Lycett sharing his ten favourite works of art with Jonathan Watkins.
■ Ikon for Artists is a two-week exhibition running from May 17-31 and open seven days a week (Monday-Friday, 11am-4pm; Saturday-Sunday plus Bank Holiday Monday, 11am-6pm. Free entry, donations welcome).
It’s terrific that Ikon is giving space to display local art Joe Lycett