Made In England

Leading the cultural charge on Teesside is the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art. Opening in 2007, the gallery boasts an impressive selection of work, including the largest collection of Picassos in the UK.

Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art

Middlesbrough Music Live is an annual free festival that has taken place in the city centre since 2000. The event draws thousands of music fans to Teesside and has boasted an impressive roster of performers.

Teesside’s rock heritage boasts vocalists Paul Rodgers, Chris Rea and David Coverdale, whilst concert pianist Cyril Smith also hailed from the area.

Writer Ernest William Hornung was born in Middlesbrough and children’s author Aidan Chambers is from nearby Darlington, as were poets Ralph Hodgson and Ian Hamilton. Young novelists Richard Milward and Michael Smith are providing a voice for a new generation of Teessiders. 

Middlesbrough-born visual artists Mackenzie Thorpe and William Tillyer are amongst those from Middlesbrough to have made an impact. Cartoonist Robert Nixon was famed for drawing Roger the Dodger in the Beano.

Teesside is known for its bridge building and the famous Transporter Bridge is just one of those manufactured locally. Perhaps the most famous of all is Sydney Harbour Bridge, which is stamped proudly with the words, ‘Made in Middlesbrough’.

Made in England

Made in England is a joint partnership between BBC English Regions and Arts Council England to bring audiences and artists together in unique collaborations to provide exciting new cultural experiences.

It is a project dedicated to exploring how England – the place and the people - is expressed through creative and artistic forms.

Think about the Lake District - dramatic and elegant, the lush greens and icy blues depicting an unspoilt England. William Wordsworth was so inspired by the landscape he wrote poems, sonnets and ballads dedicated to it.

Non-traditional art is just as important to recognise - graffiti on the streets, estates built in the Sixties, and even regional accents. Does this architecture, history and culture inspire you to think of all things English?

If you’re bursting with enthusiasm at the thought of creating something - why don’t you see how you can get involved? Visit the main Made in England site to find out how you can get your creative juices flowing.