The Ikon Gallery is hosting a new exhibition of art by primary, secondary and college students next month that was created in the run-up to the coronation of King Charles III.
The special ‘Schools Showcase’ runs from 22 to 25 June and is a celebration of artworks created in April this year at the eight academies that make up the Summit Learning Trust.
These academies are: Cockshut Hill School, Yardley; Erdington Hall Primary School; Lyndon School, Solihull; Ninestiles School, Acocks Green; The Oaklands Primary School, Acocks Green; Pegasus Primary School, Castle Vale; Solihull Sixth Form College; and Yarnfield Primary School, Tyseley.
The project involved students working with Birmingham-based visual arts duo Hipkiss & Graney, who delivered a series of creative workshops to coincide with the coronation.
A spokesperson for the Ikon said: “The sessions were designed to encourage learners to think critically about art and engage in dialogue about our cultural history and collective futures.
“Inspired by the artists’ interest in ecologies and sustainable communities, students considered how they are connected to each other, the land and the environment.
“They also explored the relevance of monarchy within today’s culture as society engages more with eco-science and environmental issues.
“Students designed and created bunting and banners using sustainable materials, painting on signs and symbols to communicate their messages and concerns about social and environmental issues.”
Hipkiss & Graney are an artist duo based in Stirchley, south Birmingham, who deliver projects that explore ecology and sustainable communities through workshops and performances.
The Ikon spokesperson added: “Hipkiss & Graney’s work uses the mediums of games, storytelling and music to go on adventures that achieve fantastical and humorous outcomes.”
The ‘Schools Showcase: Summit Learning Trust’ exhibition is open from 11am to 5pm from 22 to 25 June in the events room on the first floor of the Ikon. Entry is free, although donations are welcome.
- Meanwhile, Hipkiss & Graney have also invited families to join them for free creative activities at the Ikon Gallery from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 24 June.
There is no need for anyone to book. Families can just drop in to use a range of textile and collage materials to create banners inspired by the natural world, and to share their own environmental messages.
- The Ikon Gallery is at 1 Oozells Square in Brindleyplace. For more details about the gallery, visit www.ikon-gallery.org/.
