The Turner Prize is coming to Teesside. Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) will stage the prestigious contemporary art award in autumn 2026, cementing the gallery’s reputation as a driving force in the UK’s cultural landscape. The announcement follows Bradford’s 2025 hosting, continuing the prize’s recent shift toward spotlighting regional art scenes beyond London.
Since opening in 2007 as part of Teesside University, MIMA has carved out a distinct identity—one that merges artistic ambition with deep community engagement. Under director Dr Laura Sillars, the gallery has become a linchpin for Middlesbrough’s creative resurgence, nurturing local talent while attracting globally significant projects.
“This isn’t just about four artists on a shortlist,” Sillars says. “It’s about igniting conversations across Teesside—proving that contemporary art isn’t confined to capital cities.” The gallery plans to weave the Turner Prize into a wider programme of events, ensuring the buzz extends beyond its minimalist white walls.
The decision reflects MIMA’s growing influence. Arts Council England chair Sir Nicholas Serota recently hailed it as a “beacon” for social change, and its ripple effects are tangible: grassroots galleries proliferate across Middlesbrough, while Anish Kapoor’s Temenos and Claes Oldenburg’s Bottle of Notes anchor the town’s public art trail.
For Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, the prize is both a cultural milestone and an economic catalyst: “This isn’t just prestige—it’s about jobs, tourism, and shifting perceptions of what our region can be.” The bid aligns with Towards 2030, Middlesbrough’s ambitious cultural strategy backed by £80m in cross-sector investment, which includes repurposing historic buildings for creative use.
Tate Britain director Alex Farquharson sees MIMA as an ideal host: “Their programming proves contemporary art thrives when institutions listen to their communities first.” Past winners—from Lubaina Himid to Jasleen Kaur—demonstrate the prize’s knack for identifying artists who redefine British art. The 2026 edition may well uncover new voices shaped by the North’s distinct creative ecology.
As Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke puts it: “We’re done being overlooked. This is our moment to show how art transforms places—and how places transform art.” – Artlyst | July 2024
