This post is sponsored in collaboration with Middlesbrough Art Weekender and Crystallised. All views are my own.
Middlesbrough Art Weekender is back, and it’s bigger, bolder and better than ever! The arts is something that I’ve always liked to indulge in, whether it’s a trip to the theatre, a wander around a gallery, or simply sitting down to craft something myself. So to have a whole 4 days dedicated to cultural arts in Middlesbrough, full of exhibitions, workshops and talks, is like a dream come true for me!
In this blog post, we’ll have a chat about what you can expect from this year’s Weekender, when it’s happening, and reasons why you should visit, so keep reading!
What is Middlesbrough Art Weekender?
If you’re new to Middlesbrough Art Weekender, it’s an annual contemporary arts festival that spans across Middlesbrough town centre. This weekend-long event showcases a wide selection of international and local artists across multiple venues, such as Pineapple Black, The Auxiliary and Platform A. With a strong DIY ethos, Middlesbrough Art Weekender works in collaboration with local artists, galleries and institutions, as well as creating in cultural space in slack and empty spaces across the town.
When is Middlesbrough Art Weekender?
For 2021, you can expect to see the town taken over by contemporary arts from Thursday 30th September to Sunday 3rd October. You can take a look at the MAW programme to see a full list of events and exhibitions, as well as all of the venues involved to help you plan your day.
Why should I visit Middlesbrough Art Weekender?
Still looking for more info? Here are my six reasons why you should visit Middlesbrough Art Weekender 2021.
1. To see MDZ Estate in Centre Square
The programme is absolutely chock full of amazing things to see and do, but one art piece that really stands out to me is Jimmy Cauty’s MDZ Estate. You can catch this in Centre Square and there’s no way you can miss it. Step inside the large shipping container to find 2m tall tower blocks, and peek through the windows to take a look at the mass social, economic and environmental devastation inside.
I love art that you can immerse yourself in and this piece has an element of interactivity, as you can look at the tiny rooms inside the tower blocks. There are also two modes to experience this in – Lockdown, which is a calm. go-at-your-own-pace mode, or Full English, which is much more chaotic and loud. Complete with smoke, strobe lighting, wind, loud noises, tiny TV broadcasts, this is suitable for adults and children over 5.
2. To discover new art venues
On the surface, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Middlesbrough is just another industrial town, but Middlesbrough Art Weekender invites you to look past that image. Instead, you’re invited to see the arts and culture side of the town, and discover new art venues. Of course, we all know and love MIMA, but maybe this event will introduce you to some of the other indie spots across the town. I’m yet to explore Platform A, so this will give the perfect opportunity to do so!
3. To see Dorman Long in VR
I’m sure everyone in Middlesbrough has been keeping up with the Dorman Long news recently, but for those who may be travelling from outside of the area, Dorman Long, an iconic industrial part of Boro’s heritage is facing demolition. There’s been lots of back and forth, but it’s looking like it’s going to be brought down for sure. But at the Weekender, you’ll be able to take a step into virtual reality and see what Dorman Long could’ve looked like if it was transformed into a contemporary art space.
The Dorman Long VR experience will feature a trio of themed artworks inside. Local artists Bobby Benjamin and David Watson present traditional painting with a post-industrial town narrative, US artist Birch Cooper exhibits hyper-realistic sculptures that can only be experienced in VR worlds, while new arts space WetDoveTail showcase their studio holders through digitally created 2D and 3D works. It’s going to be a great way to pay homage to the tower and to see it in a whole new light.
4. To engage with local and international artists
Now that I work in the arts sector, I have a much better understanding about artist visibility and how important engagement is in these kinds of things, especially post-lockdown. So even if you just visit for one day out of the whole event, it will mean the world to the artists involved. There are lots of names I recognise on the line up, like Bobby Benjamin and Suzie Devey, but there are even more to me that are new. I’m very much looking forward to discovering some new artists and raving about their work to everyone I know!
5. To visit Orange Pip Market too
This year, the stars have aligned and Middlesbrough Art Weekender is taking place at the same time as Orange Pip Market! You guys all know how much I love this market (I wrote a whole blog post about why you should visit Orange Pip) and you could make a whole day out of combining the two events. Take your time to peruse some of the galleries, grab some lunch, see some live music, and watch the Is It Magma performance at Orange Pip. Then take a look at MDZ Estate in Centre Square and round off the day with a little more art gallery exploration. I’ve basically planned your whole day for you!
Please note that Orange Pip Market is only running on Saturday 2nd October. This also ties in to a Pop Up Pride event, so expect to see lots of LGBTQ+ supporter stalls and performers too! It’s set to be a fantastic weekend.
6. To try something new
Middlesbrough Art Weekender makes it so simple to try something that you may never have experienced before. It’s not every day you get to be as tall as a deserted tower block or ride around the town on Sonic Bikes that create sound in response to air pollution. This is the perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone a little and give something different a go. You may surprise yourself!
And this is only six reasons why you should visit Middlesbrough Art Weekender 2021, but there are so many more. Make sure you take a look at the programme to see the full list of exhibitions, workshops, projects, talks, screenings, and live performances that you can expect to see over the course of the four days. Honestly, the list is endless!
Middlesbrough Art Weekender will be held across the town from Thursday 30th September to Sunday 3rd October. Please see the website for the full line up and times. Which event or exhibition are you most excited to see?
This looks like so much fun! Love the look of the MDZ Estate x
Absolutely! That’s the one I’m most excited, but I can’t wait to see all of the rest! x