MIMA and Teesside University to play key role in Middlesbrough’s bid for UK City of Culture 2029

Middlesbrough has been longlisted for the prestigious UK City of Culture 2029 title, marking an important milestone in the town’s cultural development and long-term vision for creativity-led transformation.

The City of Culture programme would be led by Middlesbrough Council, Teesside University and the Middlesbrough Cultural Partnership - a collective of more than 30 arts and heritage organisations and freelancers.

The bid will build on preparations to celebrate the town's 200th birthday in 2030-31 as Teesside University and MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art) gets ready to host the Turner Prize later this year.

Dr Laura Sillars, Director of MIMA and Dean of Culture & Creativity at Teesside University, welcomed the announcement, describing it as a powerful recognition of the town’s ambition and cultural energy.

She said: 'Middlesbrough being longlisted for UK City of Culture 2029 is fantastic news and this recognition reflects the incredible talent, ambition and collaborative spirit that define our town and its cultural community.

'At MIMA and Teesside University, we believe deeply in the power of culture to transform places and people’s lives. Our successful bid to host the Turner Prize in 2026 is a testament to that belief.

'Hosting one of the world’s most significant art awards not only shines a national spotlight on Middlesbrough but also strengthens the foundations for our City of Culture bid by demonstrating our ability to deliver world-class cultural programming and to create opportunities for our communities to participate, create and celebrate.'

MIMA’s hosting of the Turner Prize in 2026 is expected to act as a major platform for the town’s cultural profile, building on years of investment and collaborative work across partners including Middlesbrough Council, Teesside University and the Middlesbrough Cultural Partnership.

Dr Sillars added: 'Being longlisted is an important milestone, and we are proud to stand alongside our partners across the town in championing a bold, inclusive and imaginative vision for Middlesbrough’s future.

'This is a moment of real momentum for our cultural sector built on years of collaborative work, creative energy and civic pride.

'We look forward to supporting the next stage of the bid and to showcasing all that Middlesbrough has to offer as a place of innovation, creativity and cultural vibrancy.'

The Department for Culture, Media & Sport will now invite longlisted places to develop their full bids, with the winning location for the 2029 title expected to be announced towards the end of 2026.

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