A major new creative space is set to open its doors, giving artists, musicians and communities a permanent home in the heart of Middlesbrough.
The Auxiliary Project Space will officially open on Wednesday, September 9, marking a major milestone for one of the North East’s leading artist-led organisations.
The 15,000 sq ft space will provide a permanent home for artists, musicians and creative communities.
It includes 25 studios, an exhibition space, an experimental music venue and a growing community programme.
More than 100 artists are welcomed each year through The Auxiliary’s artistic programme.
The opening comes as Middlesbrough readies its bid to become UK City of Culture 2029, with The Auxiliary among the venues, artists and organisations showcasing the town’s growing reputation for creativity and culture.
The Auxiliary began in 2016 as a self-funded sound-art residency in Stockton before growing into a National Portfolio Organisation for Arts Council England and an important part of the Tees Valley’s cultural landscape.
The organisation has helped bring vacant and underused spaces back to life, giving artists the resources, space and community they need to develop their work.
Its two sister festivals, Sonic Arts Week and Middlesbrough Art Week, support artists at all stages of their careers, from emerging talent to internationally recognised practitioners.
The Auxiliary is also a founding member of the Middlesbrough Cultural Partnership and plays an active role in the wider Tees Valley creative sector.
The official opening will welcome the community, artists and supporters into the newly completed space and mark the start of a new chapter for The Auxiliary.
Artistic Director Liam Slevin said: “This building has never just been about bricks and mortar. From the beginning, The Auxiliary has been about creating the conditions for artists to make ambitious work, build sustainable careers and connect with communities.
“After years of working in temporary and often challenging spaces, we’re incredibly proud to finally open a permanent home that belongs to artists and is a creative resource to the people of Tees Valley.
“I am so proud of how far we have come and it really is just a glimpse of Middlesbrough’s creative future. It reflects what can happen when artists, partners and public investment come together with a shared belief that culture should be accessible, experimental and rooted in place.
“We hope this becomes a space where people discover contemporary art for the first time, where artists take risks, where communities feel ownership, and where new ideas are given the room to grow.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke says: “The Auxiliary is a brilliant example of the artistic energy and vibrancy on offer right across Middlesbrough.
“It sums up our town’s culture of creativity perfectly.
“The festivals, artists and programmes it hosts and supports are a huge part of our bid for UK City of Culture and I’m proud the Council was able to support the redevelopment with funding from Arts Council England.
“Venues like The Auxiliary will be leading lights in making Middlesbrough thrive in the coming years and I look forward to seeing it broaden its offer and welcome new audiences on the back of this project.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The Auxiliary is one of the great creative success stories of our region, and the opening of this impressive new facility is a major milestone.
“Investing in our creative industries is vital if we are to ensure talented local artists, musicians and creatives can build successful careers right here at home. Facilities like this give people the space, support and opportunities they need to develop their talent, grow their businesses and showcase their work to new audiences.
“The Auxiliary is playing a leading role in establishing Middlesbrough as a nationally recognised centre for creativity, culture and artistic innovation. This investment will help attract more talent, more visitors and more opportunities to our region, while strengthening Middlesbrough’s reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting places for the creative industries.”
Jane Tarr, Director North East, Arts Council England says: “Middlesbrough is such an exciting, creative place to be at the moment, and we welcome the opening of The Auxiliary Project Space.
“A collaborative space to bring together and support the growing artist community that is making change in the town, it will also offer the community an opportunity to experience contemporary art on their doorstep.”
The project has been supported by £1.3m of investment, including funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Cultural Development Fund, the Middlesbrough Development Corporation and Tees Valley Combined Authority.
