Celebrating Black History Month

Creativity and culture are at the heart of the events taking place at Teesside University during Black History Month.

Black History Month celebrates the achievements and stories of Black people across the UK and globally.

Teesside University and Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) are co-ordinating a number of activities this October.

Works from the Middlesbrough Collection are on display at MIMA, across the first and second floor galleries and the third floor Open Access store.

The collection was audited by the Black Artists and Modernism research project led by University of the Arts London, which identified 66 works by artists of African, Asian, Caribbean, and Middle East and North Africa region descent created between 1900 and 2016.

For the first time, MIMA is showcasing nearly all of these works, alongside newly acquired pieces by artists of Black and Global Majority heritage.

Also taking place at MIMA are special musical sets with Afrobeats DJ & Music Curator DJ Sir Rob.

The free Midday Mix at MIMA takes place on 22 and 23 October, 12.00pm – 2.00pm and is open to all.

Colleagues from MIMA and Teesside University’s School of Arts & Creative Industries have curated a list of 24 reading and listening resources exploring Black lives and histories.

The collection was curated last October and includes articles, podcasts, reviews and film recommendations. It remains available to all at 24 for 24.

Teesside University is also proud to sponsor the Black History Youth Awards, organised by Taste of Africa North East.

The awards will take place on 10 October and celebrate the achievements of young people of African and African-Caribbean backgrounds, while also supporting mentoring programmes that inspire confidence and success.

The University’s Middlesbrough Tower building was lit with the bold yellow, green, black and red colours of Black History Month at the start of the month.

This symbolised pride and positivity, as well as Teesside University’s commitment to celebrating diversity, amplifying underrepresented voices, and fostering an inclusive environment for all.

The Ethnic and Cultural Diversity focus group at Teesside University works alongside the equality and diversity adviser to break down barriers and empower individuals.

If you are interested in joining, please email ECD@tees.ac.uk.

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