Given Middlesbrough’s reputation as a centre for industry, it may come as something of a surprise to learn that the town also has a thriving art scene – arguably the largest in the Tees Valley area. It’s perhaps because of the industrial landscape, rather than in spite of it, that independent artistic spirit has thrived. Those looking for a creative outlet are more content to roll their sleeves up and get their hands dirty than wait for a government scheme to tell them they can, which is why you’ll find a host of outsider spaces, alternative thinkers and under-represented groups proud to make Middlesbrough their home.
With that alternative spirit in mind, why not arrive for your Middlesbrough culture crawl by train, and take advantage of the first stop right on the platform. The aptly named Platform A gallery is approached from platform one; dedicated to innovative developments in contemporary art, their exhibitions focus on diverse emerging and established artists.
Head into the main town centre via Albert Road, past Middlesbrough’s Grade II listed Town Hall, which is a particularly fine building (and a home for comedy, live music and many other diversions) until you reach the wide open space of Centre Square on your left, where you’ll find the glass cube of MIMA, Middlesbrough’s flagship contemporary art gallery. Since 2007, Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art has strived to engage conversations within politics, economics and culture; it’s here you’ll find cutting-edge installations and often challenging work, but always displayed with the intent of enriching the local population at its heart, and encouraging creativity through education and debate. On your way out, don’t forget to stop off at one of the town’s most loved public sculptures, the Bottle of Notes. Created by Swedish/Netherlands artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, the tempered-steel sculpture was inspired by the area’s industrial heritage and the voyages of Captain Cook.
Around the corner from Centre Square sits the arty Bedford and Baker Streets, which during the summer is the location for the Orange Pip Market (last Saturday of the month), an artisan food market with all manner of creative activities on offer. Bedecked in fairy lights and with colourful street art decorating the terraces, the two streets make for pleasant wandering. On Baker Street, Disgraceland is essentially a graffiti-strewn empty terraced house, open during exhibitions or by appointment, which caters to alternative artists, and hosts live music and eclectic parties. Keep them on your radar, you never know what you might find.
Exit Baker Street at the Linthorpe Road end and turn left, eventually arriving at Python Gallery, located in the former Co-operative Buildings at number 251. Inside you’ll find rewarding exhibitions and installations from emerging artists, from 2D and 3D visual artwork to performance and multimedia displays. Retrace your steps back along Linthorpe Road towards the pedestrianised commercial hub of the Cleveland Centre. At number 27 you’ll find artist-led support organisation Navigator North’s creative space The Masham, which plays host to changing exhibitions which often have a focus on the local area. It’s another historic building, with a Grade II listed frontage and attractive green tiles.
Backtrack a bit to turn into Hillstreet Shopping Centre, the slightly surprising location for two of Middlesbrough’s artistic hubs. A few units up from M&S, Gallery TS1 is a commercial gallery displaying work by Tees Valley artists as well as jewellery, prints, sculpture and knick-knacks. You’ll often find local artists manning the till, making for a knowledgeable and friendly shopping experience; eclectic and affordable, their exhibition space changes every six weeks. Also in the centre, Pineapple Black is housed in what used to be New Look, and is now a cavernous open-plan space which hosts a regular rotation of contemporary art exhibitions. A variety of spaces within the gallery allows the viewer to engage with the artwork and the space; the open-plan room and huge glass frontage inviting those who may not normally visit a gallery unique access to art. All disciplines are catered for, with a special room at the back (where the changing rooms once were) which lends itself well to video, projection and light-based artwork.
Leaving the visual arts of Hillstreet behind, your journey now takes you to the final stop; across the car park, over the road and under the underpass to former carpet factory, now gallery, studio, workshop and tool library, The Auxiliary. Another fine example of Middlesbrough’s independent creative spirit, The Auxiliary is a haven for the sonic arts and encourages experimental and sound art practices. A warren of factory-like spaces lead off the high-ceilinged main hall, where large-scale work is exhibited. Unusual spaces and ante-rooms are ideal for immersive exhibits, with interesting acoustics making it a favoured place for experimental sound installations.
After having your mind melted by whatever wonders are taking root in The Auxiliary, it’s a mere saunter back to the railway station. If you’re still hankering for more arty diversions, make a beeline for The Heritage Gallery at Cargo Fleet, out by the Teesside Autodrome, which provides free exhibition space to local artists. Further out in the South Bank area of the town, Saabat Gallery is a wonderful space which engages the local community and artists through five studios, community events and exhibitions interesting to people living in the area. A garden space is the cherry on the top of an incredibly welcoming and supportive initiative. And over the border in Eston, but really only a hop, skip and jump away from the other spaces, Eston Arts Centre is a contemporary art space which has a regular programme of contemporary exhibitions, events, workshops and talks.
Before heading out, it does pay to check gallery opening dates and times online, as many are only open during exhibition periods.
Grab a copy of the Tees Valley Guide to discover even more arts and culture throughout the region!
