Ikon and Ark present Future Heritage (2-11 October 2026), a vibrant exhibition showcasing artwork by KS1-4 students from Ark’s five Birmingham schools: Ark Boulton, Ark Kings, Ark St Alban’s, Ark Tindal and Ark Victoria.
The exhibition marks the culmination of a year-long partnership between Ikon Gallery and Ark’s Birmingham Schools, connecting hundreds of pupils with professional artists, creative workshops, gallery visits and hands-on learning experiences.
In hosting artist residencies, by Niki Gandy, Jo Gane, Nessa Grimes and Hazel Tomlinson, Ark students explored themes of identity, place, history and the natural environment. The resulting artworks reflect Birmingham's rich cultural heritage and young people’s creative engagement with the city's stories, landscapes and communities.
Working with pupils from Ark Tindal Primary Academy, Nessa Grimes facilitated the creation of ceramic artworks inspired by local wildlife and biodiversity. The project built on the school's commitment to environmental sustainability and outdoor learning, encouraging pupils to develop a deeper connection with the natural world.
At Ark Boulton Academy, Niki Gandy and Jo Gane staged a student-led investigation into Birmingham's place in the history of photography. Through hands-on experimentation with historic photographic processes, including cyanotype and tintype, students discovered the work of local pioneer George Shaw (1818-1904).
Hazel Tomlinson led Ark Kings Academy students on a journey into Birmingham's medieval past through the story of the 12th century Deritend Jug. Drawing inspiration from this important local artefact, students collected clay from the banks of the River Rea and used traditional pottery techniques to craft their own ceramic vessels, connecting with the city's history and its landscape through hands-on making.
The exhibition at Ikon Gallery brings together artworks created by students from all three residencies, alongside works produced by pupils from Ark St Alban’s Academy and Ark Victoria Academy. Showcasing artworks and documentation of the creative journey, the exhibition offers a unique insight into the students’ artistic process.
By presenting the development of ideas alongside the finished pieces, the exhibition highlights the transformative impact of visual arts engagement, demonstrating how creative experiences can help young people connect with their city, build confidence, develop new skills and discover alternative ways of learning.
“This partnership has created meaningful connections between learning in the classroom and creative experiences in the gallery. Working closely with artists and the Ikon Education Team, young people have been encouraged to explore their ideas, develop new skills and take genuine ownership of the creative process. The exhibition is the result of a truly collaborative partnership, with students playing an active role not only in creating the artworks but also in shaping how they are presented. Their voices, perspectives and experiences are at the heart of the project.”
Will Kew, Education Producer, Ikon
“We are really excited about this partnership with Ikon. We want our students’ school experiences to include galleries and cultural spaces as an integral part of their learning. Working with Ikon has helped our pupils build meaningful relationships with these spaces, encouraging curiosity and creativity through hands-on art-making, while connecting their learning to the environment and communities around them.”
Becky Martin, Ark Interim Head of Creative and Extended Curriculum.
This partnership project was made possible through funding from Clore Duffield Foundation. Future Heritage is open from 2 -11 October, Tuesday – Sunday, 11am-5pm. Free entry.
