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Teesside University in Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art acquisition

The Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (mima) has entered a partnership with Teesside University which sees the institute become a part of the university, with Middlesbrough Council and Arts Council England remaining as partners.

The transfer of mima into Teesside University deepens a partnership which has developed in recent years and has seen the opening of a brand new permanent gallery to house mima’s extensive jewellery collection, which is of international importance and the largest public collection of jewellery outside of London.

The collection, which is now open to the public, holds over 200 objects and features creations from some of the world’s most prominent jewellers from the 1970s onwards.

Alistair Hudson has taken up the position of Director of Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art and is reportedly looking forward to using the expertise of the University to build on the gallery’s regional, national and international success.

Alistair joins mima from his previous role as Deputy Director at Grizedale Arts in Coniston, Cumbria. Before Grizedale Arts he was Curator of projects for the Government Art Collection, coordinating displays to promote British visual arts in the UK and worldwide and leading on the designs for the new Home Office building with artist Liam Gillick.

Alistair said: “With mima becoming part of Teesside University, it strengthens a partnership which has been developing in recent years and plans are already in place for an ambitious programme with international, national and regional projects.

“The partnership will draw on the combined expertise and excellence of mima and Teesside University to create new routes into learning and creative employment.

“It will build on mima’s incredible reputation as an international gallery, whilst increasing its civic and social function with local communities, connecting to new audiences and user groups.

“Altogether this will ensure it continues to thrive and offer a valuable cultural experience for the widest range of audiences.”

Vice-Chancellor of Teesside University, Professor Graham Henderson CBE DL, said: “I am delighted to welcome somebody with Alistair’s truly outstanding track record to the University and we are looking forward to working with him on this exciting new chapter in mima’s history.

“The new partnership between Middlesbrough Council and the University will offer a new level of opportunity and experience for both parties building upon the complementary creative expertise and experience within mima and our School of Arts & Media.

“mima is an incredibly valuable asset to the region and we are absolutely committed to ensuring it continues to thrive and offer a fantastic visitor experience.”

Middlesbrough Mayor, Ray Mallon, said: “Alistair joins mima at a perfect time for the gallery and the town as a whole.

“The new partnership with Teesside University will help mima build on its reputation as a national and international centre of excellence and I have no doubt Alistair will play a major role in its continuing success.”

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