Converted narrow boat will tours the region’s canals.
Ikon’s Black Country Voyages (2014–2017) is an art programme taking place on board a converted canal boat, generously lent by Sandwell Council. The Ikon Youth Programme (IYP) crew the boat, travelling around the Black Country meeting local people and organising events.
Ikon is delighted to announce London-based artist Jacques Nimki will lead the programme for 2015. Nimki will transform the boat into The Black Apotheca – a floating laboratory of herbal concoctions derived from local plants, fermenting slowly over time, housed in glass, reflecting light and colour. It showcases drawings, recipes and objects, all relating to the business of apothecaries, plus a collection of lozenges, cordials, country wines, sorbets and teas available for consumption at selected events.
During the summer Nimki and IYP host workshops along the canal network for visitors to interact with Black Country Voyages. These events include the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society summer boat gathering in Oldbury, the International Festival of Glass in Stourbridge, and community festivals across the Black Country.
For three years Black Country Voyages is navigating the Black Country’s industrial canal routes, visiting multiple locations including Oldbury, Stourbridge, Walsall, Brownhills, Dudley, Wolverhampton and Wednesbury. The programme includes a series of events and exhibitions inspired by nature and the heritage of the Black Country, organised in collaboration with local arts, heritage and educational organisations.
Black Country Voyages is organised in partnership with the Canal & River Trust and is supported by Arts Council Strategic Touring, Canal & River Trust and Sandwell Council. For more information visit www.blackcountryvoyages.org or call Ikon on 0121 248 0708.