People Powered exhibition honoured at regional culture awards

A major MIMA exhibition, which features Teesside University honorary graduates and celebrates the impact of the River Tees on our region, was among winners at the 2023 North East Culture Awards.

People Powered: Stories from the River Tees highlights how the Tees has influenced the region, from creating the Tees Valley to shaping the landscapes of its towns and industries. It tells the stories of those who depend on the river, from the steel and chemical industries, to fishing, home-building, town planning and recreational sports and leisure.

MIMA won the Heritage Award for the exhibition, which was created in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery and made with involvement from the local community.

The exhibition includes portraits taken by fine art photographer Gilmar Ribeiro, a soundscape by musical duo A Man Called Adam, a mosaic wallpaper made by artist Diane Watson and local schoolchildren, work by groups who attend MIMA’s weekly art clubs, and artwork from collections held by MIMA and the National Portrait Gallery.

Author Adele Parks MBE and comedian Bob Mortimer, who were both born in Middlesbrough and are Teesside University honorary graduates, feature in the exhibition as part of a series of photographic portraits from the National Portrait Gallery. Another honorary graduate, Thornaby-born actor Richard Griffiths, who passed away in 2013, is also featured.

Stella Hall, a Special Lecturer in Fine Art at the University’s School of Art & Creative Industries, also received an Outstanding Contribution Award.

Stella, creative producer and founding director of the region’s annual Festival of Thrift, was honoured for her achievement in her contribution to culture. She has served on a range of culture-related boards and has been an inspiration over many years to young people keen to make a mark in the creative sector.

Bobby Benjamin, artist and Fine Art Special Lecturer and Janina Sabaliauskaite, Senior Technician Photography, both from the School of Art & Creative Industries, were finalists in the Visual Artist of the Year section of the awards.

Claire Pounder, Learning Curator, MIMA, said: “At the heart of People Powered is community, and winning this award celebrates all the amazing people who supported, contributed and made this exhibition so amazing.

“Receiving this award with Anna McClurey, headteacher at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, was extra special and testament to the dedication and energy from our partners and friends.”

Find out more about People Powered: Stories from the River Tees, which can be seen at MIMA until 22 December.

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