The Turner Prize exhibition is coming to MIMA in Middlesbrough from 26 September 2026 until 29 March 2027. This is an amazing opportunity for the town, its residents and visitors from far and wide.

Founded in 1984, The Turner Prize is a prestigious visual arts award given to a British artist. It is awarded to the ‘most outstanding contribution’ of art made in Britain in the last year.

There are four shortlisted artists  – Simeon Barclay, Kira Freije, Marguerite Humeau, and Tanoa Sasraku. Their work will be displayed in MIMA for the duration of the exhibition and it’s free to visit though tickets still need to be booked.

In December, the jury will visit MIMA and chose one of the artists to be the overall winner of the Turner Prize. The winner will be announced on 10 December.

Turner on Tees

Running alongside the exhibition is Turner on Tees – a local creative programme of exhibitions and showcases based at arts venues across the Tees Valley including The Auxiliary and MIMA.

The work on show will be from established artists and exciting new talent and a strong connection to the Tees Valley will run through the programme.

It offers residents, schools and businesses a chance to experience artistic work and creativity from a local angle whilst celebrating the Prize and championing inclusion and diversity.

Turner on Tees will run from summer 2026 until early 2027.

What does this all mean for your business?

The selection process for hosts is rigorous, so the fact the prestigious Turner Prize is coming to Middlesbrough really is an incredible chance to showcase the culture that is woven into all corners of our town.

Hosting the prize also goes some way in supporting the wider work happening around Middlesbrough City of Culture Bid 2029. It shows that anything is possible for our area.

MIMA is run and managed by Teesside University and they suggest that over 130,000 visitors will come to Middlesbrough to visit the Turner Prize throughout the duration of the exhibition.

This means a captive audience for your business and the chance to show your support for the exhibition and City of Culture 2029 bid.

How can my business get involved?

This is your chance to shine! It’s a great opportunity to put your business centre stage to those visiting from across the region, the country and even further afield.

We want the town to be a buzz of excitement and activity. We want people to stay in our hotels and accommodation providers, eat out at our wide choice of restaurants and cafés and enjoy spending time in our leisure venues.

Your business can support the Turner Prize in a number of ways:

  • Create a new/themed food or drinks menu for the duration or the opening and/or announcement days
  • Create offers specifically for those visiting the exhibition (reduction on multi night stays at your hotel, an arts themed cocktail etc)
  • Make sure you’re sharing any Turner Prize related news or social media content from MIMA and We are Middlesbrough socials (don’t forget to tag!) and generally join in the local conversation
  • Ensure your staff are briefed on what the Turner Prize is in case visitors ask. For example, who the artists are and how long it is here for
  • Make sure your own communications, particularly social media, shout about the exhibition and encourage people to come and visit your business!
  • If you’re planning any changes or updates to your business (closures for redecorating for example), try to make sure they are ready in time for the Turner Prize

How can I support the City of Culture bid?

Make sure you’re following We are Middlesbrough and sharing any news or posts relating to the bid.

You can also email the team at weare@middlesbrough.gov.uk if you would like some ‘backing the Boro’ window vinyls or stickers for your business that say you’re supporting the bid.

The Turner Prize is Boro Culture

The Turner Prize, along with the City of Culture bid, Middlesbrough’s 200th birthday, and many other things are part of our Boro Culture movement.

Find out more and how you can support Boro Culture here.