mima to receive over £1.5million in funding from Arts Council for next three years

Arts Council England announced its National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) grant funding for 2015-18.

mima, Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, already an NPO, will receive £1,532,270 in revenue funding over the three financial years, £510,757 per year subject to a funding agreement and business plan. mima is one of 670 cultural organisations in England to receive this important funding.

The funding will enable mima to continue to deliver the highest quality exhibitions and learning programmes, support artists in the region, and reach and inspire audiences of all kinds, including children and young people. The funding level is equal to the grant received over the past three years, and is a sign of Arts Council England’s continued commitment to mima as the gallery’s governance transfers from Middlesbrough Council to Teesside University next month.

Teesside University led on the funding bid with mima colleagues.

The University’s Chief Operating Officer Malcolm Page said: 'mima is an extremely valuable asset to the region as a national and international destination and as such we need to ensure it thrives and continues to offer a fantastic visitor experience.

'The support from Arts Council England is integral to this goal so we are delighted with the decision by a key funding partner. The University, Arts Council England and Middlesbrough Council will work together to achieve a bright future for the gallery and its role within Teesside University.'

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Executive Member for Regeneration at Middlesbrough Council, which will continue to be a key strategic partner and funder of mima following the transition, said: 'This is very good news, and further recognition of mima as a cultural asset of regional, national and international significance.

'It is an important vote of confidence in mima’s ability to deliver a world class programme, and we look forward to working with Teesside University and Arts Council England to ensure that continues.'

Mark Robinson, mima’s Interim Director, said 'This is really good news for mima’s future as part of Teesside University. This is an exciting time for the gallery, and with this support, we can build on the great work mima has done over the past three years, and continue to bring national and international artists’ work to Middlesbrough, develop our support for regional artists through the mima Visual Art Network, and engage schools, families, young people and local communities with what we do. We will also continue to work with cultural organisations across the Tees Valley, both NPOs and non-NPOs.'

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