Partner with the Turner Prize 2026
A once-in-a-generation cultural moment for Middlesbrough
In September 2026 the Turner Prize will come to Middlesbrough. This is an extraordinary opportunity to place the town at the heart of the UK's contemporary arts landscape and to create lasting cultural, social and economic impact.
Hosted by MIMA, Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, part of Teesside University, the Prize will anchor Turner on Tees, a six-month, region-wide programme celebrating creativity, diversity and ambition across Teesside.
The Turner Prize, which is organised by Tate, is one of the world's leading artistic accolades and is awarded annually to a British visual artist. 'British' can mean an artist working primarily in Britain or an artist born in Britain working globally. The prize is named in honour of the artist JMW Turner, who was considered innovative and groundbreaking in his day.
MIMA has been named by the Chair of Arts Council England as a 'beacon and a catalyst', driving new developments and creating social and economic benefits. We are inviting forward-thinking organisations to join us as partners and sponsors in shaping this moment for Middlesbrough.
National profile, global reach
The Turner Prize exhibition is expected to attract over 130,000 visitors, bringing significant footfall to Middlesbrough and the surrounding areas.
The awards ceremony in December 2026 will be broadcast live on the BBC to a global audience, offering exceptional visibility for the region and for organisations that choose to partner with us.
This is a rare opportunity to:
Raise Teesside's national and international profile
Attract cultural tourism and inward investment
Support local businesses and the visitor economy
Strengthen civic pride and community cohesion
Create a lasting cultural legacy
Partnership and sponsorship opportunities
We are working with organisations across Teesside and beyond to develop meaningful, flexible partnership opportunities, including:
- corporate sponsorship
- community initiatives
- staff engagement
- shared programming.
A partnership with purpose
We are particularly keen to work with organisations that share our commitment to:
- community engagement
- inclusion and diversity
- supporting local talent
- social and economic impact
- education and lifelong learning.
There are genuine opportunities for collaborations that capture Middlesbrough's energy and ambition, showcasing how culture and creativity can help to shape the town's future.
Let's start a conversation
We would love to explore how your organisation could be part of Turner Prize 2026 and Turner on Tees whether through partnership, shared programming, sponsorship, or simply an exchange of ideas.
Every collaboration will be shaped around mutual priorities and meaningful impact.
About Teesside University and MIMA
Teesside University is committed to driving social, cultural and economic transformation across the region. MIMA, Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, is an international contemporary art gallery at the heart of the town, known for artistic excellence, innovative research and groundbreaking civic engagement.
Together, we are proud to host the Turner Prize and to lead Turner on Tees, confirming Middlesbrough's creativity and vitality as part of the national cultural map.