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School of Arts & Creative Industries

MIMA, Teesside University and the Turner Prize

At Teesside University, your creative education extends far beyond the classroom. You are connected to MIMA, one of the UK's leading contemporary art galleries and a distinctive part of our University.

Whether you're studying fine art, design, curating, film, media, journalism, comics, interior design, creative writing and the humanities, or any other creative course, MIMA forms part of the creative ecosystem that surrounds your learning and helps prepare you for a career in the creative industries.

We are thrilled that in 2026 and 2027 we will be hosting the world-renowned Turner Prize, creating an exciting and inspiring connection between higher education and one of the most important events in the visual arts calendar, with the whole Tees Valley embracing its cultural heritage with celebrations and live events from September 2026 onwards.

What this means for you

As a Teesside University student, you benefit from being part of a cultural environment that attracts artists, curators, researchers, creative businesses, and visitors from across the UK and beyond.

MIMA is a Plus Tate gallery with a reputation for artistic excellence, community collaboration and internationally recognised exhibitions.

More about MIMA

MIMA - Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art

This gives you opportunities to:

  • experience major exhibitions on your doorstep
  • engage with practising artists and creative professionals
  • build industry awareness and professional networks
  • develop your creativity in a town with a growing cultural profile
  • be part of conversations that are shaping the future of arts and culture
  • connect your creativity with real communities, social impact projects and cultural initiatives.

Turner Prize

Hosting one of the world's most prestigious art prizes

26 September 2026 - 29 March 2027

The Turner Prize 2026 is coming to MIMA, part of Teesside University, bringing world-leading contemporary art to Middlesbrough in a free exhibition for everyone.

More about Turner Prize 2026

MIMA's role as host of the Turner Prize marks a landmark moment for Middlesbrough. Organised by Tate, the Turner Prize is one of the world's most influential and widely recognised contemporary art awards, having helped launch the careers of internationally celebrated artists including Damien Hirst, Grayson Perry, Antony Gormley, Tracy Emin, Steve McQueen and Lubaina Himid.

The exhibition of shortlisted artists taking place at MIMA and the announcement of the winner taking place at Teesside University, places Middlesbrough at the centre of the contemporary art world, attracting national and international attention to the region.

MIMA - Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art
Tate
Turner On Tees
Arts Council England
Middlesbrough Council
Tees Valley

Key results

1st in the UK for graphic design three years running

(Guardian University Guide 2026, 2025 and 2024)

6th for student satisfaction for art and design

(Complete University Guide 2026)

95% Art scored a positivity measure for Teaching on my course

(National Student Survey 2026)

Join a university with culture at its heart

At Teesside University, creativity is visible, valued and connected to the real world.

Through our relationship with MIMA and our role in hosting the Turner Prize, you study in an environment where contemporary culture is created, discussed and celebrated every day. It's an opportunity to learn from a University that is helping shape the future of creativity in the North East and beyond.

This is more than studying a creative subject. This is becoming part of a creative community with national and international impact.

Find your course

Fine art student with their work at the Degree showcase. The work contains a series of coloured tubes in a random configuration.