Why invest in local culture? | MIMA, Middlesbrough

CIMA is proud to host our first major Middlesbrough event — a special evening bringing together CIMA Members, Students and the wider professional community for an immersive cultural and economic conversation at one of the North East’s most influential cultural institutions.

Hosted at MIMA - Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art - a leader in contemporary art and civic impact, this event explores how culture drives economic growth, strengthens communities, and shapes prosperous, confident regions — a topic of significant relevance to finance professionals, business leaders, and anyone invested in Tees Valley’s future.

Why attend?

This event is designed to offer professional insight, local relevance, and genuinely inspiring perspectives, including:

⭐ Exclusive talk from Dr Laura Sillars Director of MIMA and Dean of Culture & Creativity at Teesside University — one of the UK’s most respected cultural leaders, with a global career spanning New York, Detroit, Busan, London and beyond.

⭐ A powerful discussion on the economic value of culture: Hear how the Turner Prize in Middlesbrough is delivering economic return, brand visibility, place-making and long-term regional confidence — and what this means for decision-makers in finance and business.

⭐ Networking with impact: Connect with CIMA Members, finance professionals, local leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives and community partners — building cross-sector relationships that matter.

⭐ Behind-the-scenes access to the exhibition:

How might artists shape the future of a place, and what do we desire for that future? The Tees Valley grew, took shape and influenced the world through centuries of movement. It has become home to generations of people and to communities of artists. MIMA’s new exhibition Desire Lines: Art, Place & Possibilities outlines a vividly creative past and calls out to hopes for the centuries ahead.

The exhibition begins with a visual map, tracing histories of creativity in the Tees Valley. Developed by James Beighton with MIMA and designed by Jo Deans, the map revisits the work A History of Teesside Art from MIMA’s 2015-16 exhibition.

Who should attend?

• CIMA Members & Students
• Finance professionals & analysts
• Business owners & managers
• Entrepreneurs & innovators
• Public sector leaders
• Community & cultural partners
• Anyone passionate about Middlesbrough’s future

Getting there:

MIMA are currently developing their garden so you need to make the short walk and follow the building to our front entrance.

Parking information:

in Centre Square, TS1 2AZ, offers a dedicated pay-and-display car park at the rear of MIMA, operated by Middlesbrough Council. Rates are typically around £1.90 per hour (Mon-Sat, 8am-6pm). Five disabled bays are available, with free parking for Blue Badge holders. Ring Go app is 4103.

Info: Complimentary tea, coffee & finger buffet available for attendees.

Info: Dr Sillars will discuss the economic, cultural and social impact of Middlesbrough hosting the Turner Prize, and MIMA’s role within Teesside University in supporting creativity, place-making and regional growth.

Info: How might artists shape the future of a place, and what do we desire for that future? The Tees Valley grew, took shape and influenced the world through centuries of movement. It has become home to generations of people and to communities of artists. MIMA’s new exhibition Desire Lines: Art, Place & Possibilities outlines a vividly creative past and calls out to hopes for the centuries ahead.

Info: Complimentary alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks available for attendees.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

MIMA, Centre Square, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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