What’s on at Ikon Gallery over the summer

Boyd & Evans Exhibition opening

Tuesday 17 July, 6-8pm – FREE

Join us for a glass of wine to celebrate the opening of our new exhibition by Boyd & Evans. Followed by live music at 8pm from Arc Vel, one of the most exciting experimental musicians to come out of Birmingham for some time. www.arcvel.co.uk

The Alif Ensemble featuring Khyam Allami

Thursday 19 July, 8–10.30pm

Tickets £8 / £6 students

Ikon, in collaboration with Capsule, present The Alif Ensemble, one of the most exciting new projects to come from the Arab world, bringing together musicians from Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt and Iraq for a beguiling blend of acoustic and contemporary electronic sounds. Conceived by multi-talented oud player Khyam Allami, the Alif Ensemble sees him partner with two of the most inventive and independent Arabic musicians; Palestinian composer and vocalist Tamer Abu Ghazaleh and Egyptian electronica musician Maurice Louca. www.khyamallami.com

Support is from local musician Simon Fox whose work ranges from traditional folk songs to more challenging sonic experiments. www.worldoffox.com

Tickets available via www.ticketsellers.co.uk or on the door.

Paella Events

Friday 20 July, 5–9pm

Live music from Brindleyplace: Inspector Gadjo

5.30–7.30pm

Friday 3 August, 5–9pm

Live music from Brindleyplace: Jazz de L’Affaire

5.30–7.30pm

Friday 17 August, 5–9pm

Live music from Jazzlines: Trio Bom Demais

5.30–7pm

Friday 31 August, 5–9pm

Live music from Jazzlines:

Sam Slater’s Nearly Hot Club Four

5.30–7pm

Sunday 9 September, 2–4pm

Friday 21 September, 5–9pm

Our special paella events continue through the summer, once again accompanied by free live music from Brindleyplace and Jazzlines. Join Head Chef Wesley Pinnock as he cooks a selection of paella dishes under the umbrellas on Café Ikon’s terrace. Price £3.50 (small plate) or £6.50 (large plate). To book a table please call Café Ikon on 0121 248 3226. www.brindleyplace.com and www.thsh.co.uk/jazzlines

Practical Workshop for adults

Thursday 26 July, 2–4pm – FREE*

Join us for a gallery-based session aimed specifically at adults. This afternoon provides an informal and fun way to explore the current exhibitions. Places are free but should be reserved by calling Ikon on 0121 248 0708. *Suggested £2 donation for refreshments.

Flarestack Poets Launch

Tuesday 31 July, 6.30–9pm – FREE

Award-winning Birmingham poetry press Flarestack Poets launches three new pamphlets. Join us for readings from the winners of their 2012 Pamphlet Competition, David Clarke and Nichola Deane, as well as from some of the 20 poets represented in the competition anthology. Flarestack Poets is well known for writing that is both adventurous and accessible, and has produced distinctive collections from established and new voices. www.flarestackpoets.co.uk Organised in collaboration with Writing West Midlands. Places are free but should be reserved by calling Ikon on 0121 248 0708.

Boyd & Evans in Conversation & Book Signing

Wednesday 8 August, 6.30–7.30pm – FREE

Join artists Fionnuala Boyd and Les Evans as they discuss the inspirations behind their career, paintings and photography with Ikon Director Jonathan Watkins. Boyd & Evans also sign copies of the new exhibition catalogue, produced exclusively by Ikon. Places are free but should be reserved by calling Ikon on 0121 248 0708.

Lomography Workshop

Tuesday 14 August, 6–8pm

£5 per person for materials

Ikon Shop marks the arrival of two new Lomography cameras: the Lomokino (direct your own short movies using any type of 35mm film, £89) and the La Sardina (wide lens 35mm camera based on the humble sardine can. Includes flashgun and filters, £99), David Tester of Lomography UK leads a short workshop to introduce these new products and help budding photographers get the most from these cameras. Suitable for all ages. Places should be reserved by calling Ikon on 0121 248 0708.

Afternoon Tea

Thursday 30 August, 2.30–4.30pm – FREE*

Contemporary art – is it your cup of tea? Join us for an exhibition tour, followed by tea, cake and chat. Places are free but should be reserved by calling Ikon on 0121 248 0708. *Suggested £2 donation for refreshments.

Events for Families and Children

Seven Summer Sundays

Sunday 22, 29 July

Sunday 5, 12, 19 & 26 August

Sunday 2 September

2–4pm – FREE

Family-friendly drop-in workshops and story-telling at Ikon during the school holidays. Each week we will focus on a different painting from the Boyd & Evans exhibition, Views. No need to book, just drop in.

Parent and toddler morning

Tuesday 31 July, 10–11am

With DanceXchange

This gallery-based session is for parents with toddlers aged 0–3 years. Organised in partnership with DanceXchange, activities explore movement within Boyd & Evans paintings. Places are limited and should be reserved by calling Ikon on 0121 248 0708. £2 per person, payable on the day.

Family Saturdays

Saturday 4 August, 1–4pm – FREE

Saturday 1 September, 1–4pm – FREE

Open to all ages (adults very welcome), these afternoons of creative activities engage, challenge and inspire. Join us as we explore the current exhibition by Boyd & Evans and make original artwork. No need to book places on these events, just drop in.

Family Workshops

Friday 10 August, 10.30am–12pm (3–5 yrs)

With DanceXchange

Friday 10 August, 2–4pm (6 yrs +)

With DanceXchange

Friday 24 August, 10.30am–12pm (3–5 yrs)

Friday 24 August, 2–4pm (6 yrs +)

Join us during the summer holidays for fun creative workshops as we explore the current exhibition by Boyd & Evans and make original artwork in response. Places are limited and should be reserved by calling Ikon on 0121 248 0708. £2 per person, payable on the day. Includes refreshments.

Children should be accompanied by an adult at all times.

ArtsFest

Saturday 8 September, 2–4pm – FREE

Sunday 9 September, 2–4pm – FREE

Oozells Square, Brindleyplace

Family-friendly drop-in workshops. Join us to make and sail your own paper boats in Oozells Square.

www.artsfest.org.uk