The search is on for new leader at the Ikon gallery on Westside after current director Jonathan Watkins announced that he is stepping down in October.
Mr Watkins, who’s been in place for nearly a quarter of a century, has developed the Ikon as Birmingham’s flagship contemporary art institution, developing a worldwide reputation and modern international outlook.
Since joining in 1999, he has continued the Ikon’s commitment to making the very best in contemporary art available to all by maintaining its policy of free entry.
The Ikon, based at 1 Oozells Square in Brindleyplace, now welcomes over 200,000 visitors each year, with over 75% of its audience aged between 16 to 44.
Mr Watkins said: “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.
“My successor will have the pleasure of working with a team of people who could not be more committed, professional and personable, in a city that could not be more welcoming. I wish them well.”
An Ikon spokesperson said: “The recruitment process [to replace Mr Watkins] is starting and we’ll have more information to share soon.”
The spokesperson went on to say how under Mr Watkins’ tenure the Ikon has become known for its strong exhibitions of UK and international artists, commissioning of major public artworks, and a public programme embedded in the local community.
She said: “Over the years Ikon has placed a curatorial emphasis on artists hailing from Birmingham, such as Gillian Wearing and Osman Yousefzada. At the same time, Jonathan has showcased emerging international talent, including Marjolijn Dijkman and Nástio Mosquito, and more established figures such as Georges Adeagbo and Giuseppe Penone.
“In 2015 he oversaw Ikon’s 50th year celebrations and established the Ikon Investment Fund, safeguarding Ikon’s future programming and commissioning of new work. Recent commissions include work by emerging artists Betsy Bradley and Abdulrazaq Awofeso, and Watkins has also instigated a dynamic off-site programme, challenging notions of how and where art can be seen.”
Following his departure, Mr Watkins will continue working as an independent curator on international art projects, whilst remaining an important advocate and patron of Ikon.
The full personal statement from Jonathan Watkins about his departure can be read here: https://www.ikon-gallery.org/blog/2022/02/10/farewell-to-ikon-jonathan-watkins-director/
