A new Director and a new era for mima

It is the start of an exciting new era for flagship modern art gallery mima as a new Director is welcomed to drive the gallery forward as it becomes part of Teesside University.

Alistair Hudson has taken up the position of Director of Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art and is looking forward to using the expertise of the University to build on the gallery’s regional, national and international success.

The partnership sees mima become a part of Teesside University, with Middlesbrough Council and Arts Council England remaining as partners.

The transfer of mima into Teesside University deepens a partnership which has developed in recent years and has seen the opening of a brand new permanent gallery to house mima’s extensive jewellery collection, which is of international importance and the largest public collection of jewellery outside of London.

The collection, which is now open to the public, holds over 200 objects and features creations from some of the world’s most prominent jewellers from the 1970s onwards.

Alistair joins mima from his previous role as Deputy Director at Grizedale Arts in Coniston, Cumbria. Before Grizedale Arts he was Curator of projects for the Government Art Collection, coordinating displays to promote British visual arts in the UK and worldwide and leading on the designs for the new Home Office building with artist Liam Gillick.

'With mima becoming part of Teesside University, it strengthens a partnership which has been developing in recent years and plans are already in place for an ambitious programme with international, national and regional projects,' said Alistair.

'The partnership will draw on the combined expertise and excellence of mima and Teesside University to create new routes into learning and creative employment. It will build on mima’s incredible reputation as an international gallery, whilst increasing its civic and social function with local communities, connecting to new audiences and user groups. Altogether this will ensure it continues to thrive and offer a valuable cultural experience for the widest range of audiences.'

Vice-Chancellor of Teesside University Professor Graham Henderson CBE DL added: 'I am delighted to welcome somebody with Alistair’s truly outstanding track record to the University and we are looking forward to working with him on this exciting new chapter in mima’s history.

'The new partnership between Middlesbrough Council and the University will offer a new level of opportunity and experience for both parties building upon the complementary creative expertise and experience within mima and our School of Arts & Media. mima is an incredibly valuable asset to the region and we are absolutely committed to ensuring it continues to thrive and offer a fantastic visitor experience.'

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon said: 'Alistair joins mima at a perfect time for the gallery and the town as a whole.

'The new partnership with Teesside University will help mima build on its reputation as a national and international centre of excellence and I have no doubt Alistair will play a major role in its continuing success.'

Kevin Parkes, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Director of Economic Development and Communities, added: 'mima is already an iconic and internationally recognised symbol of the town’s regeneration, and this important new partnership will ensure that it continues to grow as a major destination and visitor attraction.'

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