Interim Director appointed for mima

Mark Robinson has been appointed as Interim Director of Middlesbrough’s flagship modern art gallery mima.

The move follows the announcement of Director Kate Brindley’s departure after nearly five years to join Arnolfini Centre for the Contemporary Arts in Bristol.

The appointment has been agreed with Arts Council England and Teesside University which is taking over the day-to-day running of mima under a new partnership with Middlesbrough Council.

Mark lives in Eaglescliffe and is a former Executive Director of the Arts Council in the North East.

Since 2010 he has worked with many leading arts organisations nationally and internationally on creative and business development. He recently drew up the business plan for the transfer of the gallery from the Council to the University.

He takes on the mima role on an interim basis until a full-time replacement for Kate is appointed, and he will assist in the recruitment process for the new Director.

He said: 'I’m really pleased to be able to help take mima through to the next stage of its development.

'I look forward to working with the staff, the Council and University to put everything in place for an even brighter future for mima’s work with artists, audiences, and the community.'

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: 'This is an exciting time for mima as the gallery enters into its new partnership with Teesside University.

'Mark has vast experience in the art world and his hands-on experience of mima made him the ideal candidate to take over as Interim Director.

'He will now have a key role to play in the transfer process which will bring significant benefits to both mima and the University.'

Malcolm Page, Teesside University Chief Operating Officer, said: 'It is important that mima continues with business as usual in the wake of Kate Brindley’s departure so I am delighted Mark Robinson is able to join us as an Interim Director.

'Mark brings a lengthy pedigree of working in the arts in the North East and on Teesside.

'He will be a valuable addition to the team and the partnership of mima and the University.'

Over the last five years mima’s funding from Arts Council England has risen by 160 per cent, and the gallery has developed a deserved reputation for the quality of its exhibitions.

The gallery, which celebrated its seventh birthday last month, has attracted nearly one million visitors and played host to works by some of biggest names in the art world including David Hockney, Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Gerhard Richter, Anish Kapoor and Carl Andre.

Last November Middlesbrough Council and Teesside University announced the formation of a new partnership to further develop mima’s role in the town.

The University will be taking over the day-to-day running of mima, with the Council retaining its involvement as a main funding partner alongside Arts Council England.

---