Ikon gallery launches floating arts studio and residency space

Ikon has launched Slow Boat 2026 - the gallery’s annual floating arts studio and residency space supported by Freelands Foundation.

Travelling over 150 miles of the West Midlands canal network, Slow Boat hosts free workshops, conversations and creative collaborations with young people, communities and contemporary artists.

The Slow Boat route has been designed by members of Ikon Youth Programme (IYP) – emerging artists, curators, musicians, writers and creatives aged 16–21.

Inspired by the Victorian craft traditions and post-war design innovation of the region’s art school heritage, the 2026 programme explores themes of heritage, place and shared creativity. 

Workshops are free for young people, with opportunities to learn from contemporary artists, while exploring local histories and co-curating creative projects. 

The workshops are in Wolverhampton (1 April–1 May), Tipton (11 May–24 May), Stourbridge (1–13 June), Halesowen (22 June–4 July), Smethwick (11–19 July), Birmingham (27 July–30 August) and Coventry (7–26 September).