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School of Arts & Creative Industries

£5 million investment to support cultural ambitions

17 March 2022

 

MIMA is set to play a key role as part of a major investment boost which will help Middlesbrough to achieve its cultural and creative ambitions.

Middlesbrough has received a £4.25m investment from the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport through the Cultural Development Fund, which is delivered by Arts Council England.

The award, together with match funding, means that £5m will be invested to see Middlesbrough’s cultural ambition further realised.

MIMA, The Auxiliary, Central Library and Middlesbrough Train Station are part of a programme which will lead to job creation, improve well-being, access to arts and culture, attract visitors and support the town’s economy.

Access to the world class Middlesbrough Collection at MIMA will be enhanced for visitors and researchers through new spaces and displays. The gallery will also develop its community and learning spaces and create a new pavilion for children and families in its urban garden.

Middlesbrough’s Central Library will be transformed to become a captivating reading paradise for children. It will host events and activities on a national scale to promote a lifelong love of literacy and Middlesbrough Railway Station, managed by TransPennine Express, will aim to become the most creative in the UK building on Platform Arts’ work welcoming artists in residence. The independent sector will receive a further boost as The Auxiliary undergoes a full refit, introducing new artist-led spaces and workshops at the Station Street warehouse galleries.

This significant investment is excellent news

Professor Paul Croney OBE, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at Teesside University

Professor Paul Croney OBE, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at Teesside University, said: “This significant investment is excellent news and will have a considerable impact, not just for MIMA, but for the cultural landscape of the region.

“Coupled with major capital investment committed to the School of Arts and Creative Industries, this project will further enhance the learning environment for the next generation of arts professionals. The planned development will firmly establish MIMA as a vibrant hub for community engagement and a cultural beacon and key visitor attraction for the region.

“Collaboration is at the heart of Teesside University’s approach and this partnership bid exemplifies what can be achieved when working together to deliver civic transformation.”

The bid was led by the Middlesbrough Cultural Partnership and Middlesbrough Council.

“Creativity and the arts make people happy and transform the way towns and cities think about themselves and how they’re viewed by others,” said Mayor of Middlesbrough, Andy Preston.

“The investment will attract visitors from miles and miles – helping to support jobs and help people lead healthy lives.”


 
 
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