EVENTS
MIMA- Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art is hosting the world-famous Turner Prize.
A MASTERSTROKE FOR MIDDLESBROUGH
One of the world’ s preeminent prizes for contemporary art, the Turner Prize, is to be hosted in Middlesbrough in late 2026 and early 2027.
The Turner Prize, which is organised by Tate, is one of the world’ s leading artistic accolades and is awarded annually to a British visual artist.
The prize has helped launch the careers and reputations of numerous internationally renowned artists, including Damien Hirst, Steve McQueen, Grayson Perry, Antony Gormley, Veronica Ryan, Lubaina Himid and, most recently, Jasleen Kaur.
Following Bradford’ s hosting of the 2025 Turner Prize, the exhibition of work by the four shortlisted artists for Turner Prize 2026 will open in autumn 2026 at MIMA, with the announcement of the winner in December 2026.
Tees Valley Combined Authority is working in partnership with Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art( MIMA) and Teesside University to bring the Turner Prize exhibition to MIMA and develop a connected programme of activity and sector support across the Tees Valley.
Dr Laura Sillars, director of MIMA and dean of culture and creativity at Teesside University, said:“ Hosting an event of this magnitude showcases the leading role MIMA plays in developing and building the contemporary arts ecosystem locally, nationally and internationally.
“ Bringing the Turner Prize to
Middlesbrough will connect artistic communities, bringing a global focus to our thriving arts scene.
“ We’ re planning a fabulous set of events and projects to ensure visitors have a brilliant experience when they come to Middlesbrough.”
The exhibition will be held at MIMA, a Teesside University venue known globally for artistic excellence and community regeneration.
Lauded by the chairman of Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, as a " beacon and a catalyst " for social and economic development, MIMA is at the heart of Middlesbrough’ s thriving visual arts scene.
Its work to centre artists within communities has encouraged more young artists to remain in the region, while it also acts as a creative magnet, encouraging artists to choose Middlesbrough as their base.
A major programme of exhibitions is being held across the Tees Valley to accompany the Turner Prize being hosted at MIMA.
The Turner on Tees programme, which runs into early 2027, nurtures and celebrates the Tees Valley’ s extraordinary creativity.
The major series of exhibitions and creative programmes is being held at Hartlepool Art Gallery, Redcar’ s Palace Hub, Darlington Library Gallery and ARC in Stockton, plus The Auxiliary and MIMA.
Visitors to Turner on Tees will have the chance to see and experience work by
Turner Prize puts Tees Valley centre stage
artists with strong connections to the Tees Valley.
This includes artists and curators who have established their careers and those who are emerging as new talents.
The series of exhibitions is supported by a programme for young people, schools and communities to ensure that every child in the Tees Valley can connect with this once-in-a-generation moment.
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said:“ The announcement of the Turner Prize in Middlesbrough is a major coup which underlines our commitment to building this sector – one that plays an important role in driving economic growth.
“ An event of this stature bolsters our growing reputation for attracting major UK events to Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool. Bringing the Turner Prize here will bring investment, visitors and opportunity – supporting our drive to transform our region.”
Middlesbrough mayor Chris Cooke said:“ Hosting the Turner Prize is a massive win for Middlesbrough.
“ We’ ve been working hard on a mission to be the Most Creative Town and welcoming new visitors will help us change perceptions and highlight the brilliant things that happen here every day.
“ We’ re thrilled to be supporting MIMA and Teesside University in putting on a show that will attract headlines around the arts world.”
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