Turner Prize exhibition draws 13,000 visitors to Middlesbrough

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 11:42 · Archive

The Turner Prize exhibition at MIMA in Middlesbrough has attracted around 13,000 visitors in its opening month, with guests travelling from across the UK and beyond, including Helsinki and New Delhi. Visitors have come from cities including London, Leeds, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as throughout the Tees Valley.

This is the first time the Turner Prize has been hosted by a university. The 2024 exhibition features work by four artists: Simeon Barclay, Marguerite Humeau, Kira Freije and Tanoa Sasraku. The opening weekend drew dozens of journalists from leading national and international media outlets.

Critics have responded enthusiastically. The Guardian called it 'the most exciting Turner Prize in years' and encouraged readers: 'If you want to see the future of art, get yourself to Middlesbrough'. The Independent described the exhibition as an 'otherworldly show' and 'one of the best in recent memory'.

Dr Laura Sillars, dean of culture and creativity at Teesside University and director of MIMA, said the response had been 'a fantastic start for the Turner Prize' and praised the opportunity to introduce young people to the exhibition. She noted that the Turner Prize had 'put Middlesbrough in the cultural spotlight, attracting visitors from across the world'.

The exhibition's impact extends beyond visitor numbers through a dedicated schools programme. Brambles Primary Academy became the first school to visit on 1 October. The programme is fully booked through to January, with a further 10,000 pupils scheduled to visit by Christmas, following earlier engagement with over 3,000 schoolchildren.

The Turner on Tees programme is bringing additional exhibitions, events and new work to venues across Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Redcar, Darlington and Stockton, celebrating artists connected to the Tees Valley and providing community participation opportunities.

How it is being reported

• Turner Prize at MIMA brings 13,000 visitors to Middlesbrough in first monthThe Guardian hailing it as 'the most exciting Turner Prize in years', adding 'If you want to see the future of art, get yourself to Middlesbrough'TeessideLive · 30 Oct, 11:22
• Thousands flock to North East town as Turner Prize gives region culture boostTurner Prize draws 13,000 visitors to Middlesbrough as MIMA exhibition boosts North East culture; schools programme booked until January ahead of 2027.The Northern Echo · 29 Oct, 12:00
• Thousands flock to North East town as Turner Prize gives region culture boostTurner Prize draws 13,000 visitors to Middlesbrough as MIMA exhibition boosts North East culture; schools programme booked until January ahead of 2027.Darlington & Stockton Times · 29 Oct, 12:00

In this story: MIMA · Middlesbrough · Teesside University · Dr Laura Sillars · Simeon Barclay · Marguerite Humeau · Kira Freije · Tanoa Sasraku

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log