Agenda item

The Head of Culture will be in attendance to provide the Panel with an overview of Middlesbrough's Bicentenary.

The Head of Culture was in attendance to provide an overview to the Place Panel on the plans for Middlesbrough’s Bicentenary in 2030.

Members were advised of an ambitious 5-year plan to transform Middlesbrough by scaling up cultural programming, maximising visibility and deepening reach into Middlesbrough communities towards a major celebration of Middlesbrough’s industrial heritage and creative future for the Bicentenary year in 2030.

Members heard that the Turner Prize a major British contemporary award was taking place in Middlesbrough.  An exhibition of the four short-listed artists would be held in MIMA from 25 September 2026 to March 2027, Members were advised that when Bradford hosted the Turner Prize attendance exceeded 80,000. 

Outcomes to be achieved from hosting the Turner Prize include:

•         Visitor footfall/number of overnight stays in the town centre increased.

•         Visitor spend in Middlesbrough Town Centre increased.

•         Further investment is leveraged for culture.

•         Our young people and communities have access to culture and creativity, including opportunities to engage with the Turner Prize.

•         Middlesbrough artists are platformed during 2026/27.

•         Middlesbrough’s position as a centre for creativity and culture is strengthened.

•         People’s perceptions of Middlesbrough locally, regionally and nationally  improved.

The Head of Culture talked about Pride in Place, transforming underused, vacant and visually blighted sites into attractive, usable and safe public spaces through high quality public art and creative interventions. Delivered through artist and community collaborations that celebrate Middlesbrough’s creativity and heritage.

Opportunities were available to support and grow grassroots creativity, co-curate creative programmes and co-design creative approaches to address local priorities within communities in Thorntree and Park End.

The Panel heard that Middlesbrough Football Club was celebrating its 150th year, celebrations include:

•         Animation of last mile: Public Art, performances, street furniture, wayfinding, supporter-engagement opportunities.

•         Anniversary game: Events in the Town Centre and Stadium

•         Town Centre programme: Exhibition at Dorman, civic event, involvement in cultural events programme, digital signage

Between 2026-2031 there were many key milestones in the run up to the Bicentenary in 2031:

2026: New Contemporaries, Turner Prize, MFC 150th Anniversary Season, Orange Pip 10th Anniversary, new Storytelling Festival (National Year of Reading)

2027: MAW 10th Anniversary, Middlesbrough Theatre 70th Anniversary, Reopening of Old Town Hall (TBC)

2028: 300th Anniversary of the birth of Captain Cook, Stewart Park Centenary.

2029: UK City of Culture – application in progress

2030-31: Middlesbrough Bicentenary, Teesside University Centenary, Middlesbrough Mela 40th Anniversary, Reopening of restored Transporter Bridge (TBC)

The Head of Culture informed Members that Middlesbrough had been longlisted for UK City of Culture alongside 8 other places including Sheffield, Wrexham, Blackpool ad Portsmouth.

Members heard that if successful a prize of £10 million to supercharge a transformation in growth by raising ambitions and putting culture and creativity at the heart of Middlesbrough’s Place Strategy and aspirations for the future.

In 2030-31 several cultural programme events would take place including WOW Middlesbrough, major exhibitions, mass participation events, theming/scaling up of festivals, Homeless World Cup, opening of new cultural/digital assets and street parties.

Members were advised of an opportunity to create a Digital Heritage Museum of Middlesbrough which would bring together two museums and Teesside Archives offering permanent and touring exhibits. 

Capital projects were also being undertaken including:

•         Town Hall roof repair and equipment programme at Town Hall & Theatre (£6.1m).

•         New recording studio complete at Town Hall.

•         Access improvements complete at Town Hall & Theatre.

An extension to the Little Theatre was also being considered which Members agreed would be extremely beneficial.

A Member commented that this was a fantastic list of upcoming plans/events but highlighted that more communication was needed with residents/Councillors/wider public to talk up the town.  The Head of Culture confirmed there will be a ‘What’s On’ list on the Council website and a creative tourism office is being looked at.

Another Member commented that there are many famous people from Middlesbrough, their stories need to be told and we need to celebrate them. It was also noted that inspiration could be drawn from other northern towns and cities that had successfully transitioned from industrial centres into thriving cultural hubs.

The Chair asked how can Councillors get involved and help.  The Head of Culture responded that it would be useful to share what communities/wards want.

A Member queried if there was any funding available for local events, the Head of Culture confirmed that there would be some funding for events within local communities.

The Chair thanked the Head of Culture for her attendance.

The Place Panel agreed to:

•         Note the information provided in the presentation

•         Invite the Head of Culture to future meetings to provide updates to the Panel