Member Article

Lucky Wearers Model Gallery Exhibits

Members of the public have enjoyed their moment in the spotlight by filming haul video blogs whilst wearing jewellery from mima’s unique collection that will be broadcast around the world on The Space.

15 people, including BBC Breakfast presenter Steph McGovern, have got to wear gallery exhibits from mima’s collection as part of #wearmima.

The video blogs of the wearers modelling and talking about their favourite pieces, which are normally only displayed in protective casing, will be broadcast on the new digital arts channel from the Arts Council and BBC, The Space.

Middlesbrough born presenter Steph McGovern has described #wearmima as an innovative arts campaign, which is helping to breakdown social and cultural barriers in the region. Steph was brought up with strong roots in arts and culture due to her father Eamonn, who is a well-recognised and celebrated Teesside artist.

“I spent my childhood going around art galleries with my dad and now I enjoy visiting them myself and seeing pieces first-hand. #wearmima is good for the general cultural scene in Middlesbrough and a great way for people outside of the region to see how much the town has to offer.

“Actually being able to touch art makes a massive difference to seeing it displayed. There is a very real social barrier to art sometimes, it can feel like you are not good enough to touch or own a piece. Being passed something to wear by a person wearing protective gloves today has felt special and is a unique opportunity.”

The wearers also included Chantal Lauper, Luke Marshall, Carli McNaught, Jemma Joy, Bianca Robinson, Channice Thompson, Michael Comerford, Kirsten Cummins, Shilpa Dhasmana, Lucy Reeves, Sheila Davison, Jordan Bell and Callum O’Reilly.

The lucky candidates were chosen from screen-tests that they made at a selection day in early May, when they stated on camera why they should be chosen and what their favourite pieces were.

Rachel French, development manager at mima, said: “We are delighted with how #wearmima is helping to put Teesside’s art and cultural scene on the map. Through The Space people the other side of the world will be able to see what is going on in mima.

“We have been overwhelmed with how the public have been so pro-active to get involved. At our popular selection day in early May the gallery saw an increase in attendance of nearly 50% compared with a normal Saturday.”

mima is one of 53 successful applicants for Arts Council funding to make content for The Space, which will showcase some of the most exciting arts events across the UK on a digital platform.

Featuring live performances, specially created digital events, full length productions, behind the scenes documentaries and interactive content, The Space is all about breaking boundaries and creating a totally new way for the public and artists to engage.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Morrison .