Cultural Partnership Programme
MIMA, The Auxiliary, Central Library and Platform Arts (at Middlesbrough Railway Station) are part of a programme which will lead to job creation, improve well-being, access to arts and culture, attract visitors and support the town’s economy, supported through the second round of the Cultural Development Fund (CDF).
Access to the world class Middlesbrough Collection at MIMA will be enhanced for visitors and researchers through new spaces and displays. The gallery will also develop its community and learning spaces and create a new pavilion for children and families in its urban garden.
Middlesbrough’s Central Library will be transformed to become a captivating reading paradise for children. It will host events and activities on a national scale to promote a lifelong love of literacy. Middlesbrough Railway Station, managed by TransPennine Express, will aim to become the most creative in the UK with the development of a new print room operated by Platform Arts alongside a programme of artist commissions and one artist residency. The independent sector will receive a further boost as The Auxiliary undergoes a full refit, introducing new artist-led spaces and workshops at the Station Street warehouse galleries.
Central Library
- Currently out to tender, close to denouement.
- Contractor start due June 2024, completion February 2025.
- Full refurbishment of all library spaces and meeting rooms into flexible learning / family space / maker space / events space / IT and local history suite.
- Accessibility improvements including new public lift, accessible WC, baby change and pram store.
- Refurbishment and restoration works to the Grade II listed building including historic features such as parquet flooring, reading desks and windows
The Auxiliary
- Completed tender proves, with contractor appointment imminent.
- Additional match funding of £380k close to completion.
- Redevelopment of building including recladding and insulation.
- New mezzanine for larger scale production studios
- Increased studio capacity from 15 to 25 studios.
- Developing the Auxiliary into a centre of excellence for the production and exhibition of contemporary and sonic arts.
MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art)
- Refurbishment of existing auditorium to create a new flexible archive and store with public access including new specialist Mechanical and Electrical provision.
- Creation of a new flexible events space overlooking Centre Square providing opportunities for greater commercial income
- A new garden pavilion connecting MIMA to Central Library with associated landscaping and external works.
Platform Arts Print Studio (Middlesbrough Railway Station)
Purchase and installation of new fit-out materials and equipment including:
- Flooring
- Specialist Printing equipment – risograph, natgraph, etching and lithograph presses
- Sinks, cupboards, shelving and racking
- Security and IT equipment
- Furniture, tools and sundries
Most Creative Train Station
- A programme of artist commissions and one residency, delivered from June 2024 to February 2025.
- First eight artists commissioned, with works exploring a range of art forms and providing opportunities for community engagement and co-creation.
- Currently commissioning one large-scale artist commission and one artist residency.
