Special edit takes People Powered from the River Tees to National Portrait Gallery

Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) is presenting People Powered: Stories from the River Tees in the National Portrait Gallery’s Spotlight Space this autumn.

Originally developed and curated at MIMA and four years in the making, the original exhibition explored the deep connections between people, storytelling, and the River Tees. It ran at MIMA from July to December 2023 and was supported by a three-year collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery, alongside key local partnerships. It won the Heritage Award at The Journal North East Culture Awards in 2023.

This Special Edit display showcases highlights from People Powered, celebrating portraits and stories from communities living around the Tees. The project explores portraiture as a form of storytelling, captured through film, photography, and creative partnerships.

Developed during the pandemic, the exhibition focuses on how the River Tees became a vital space for connection and solace. The centrepiece, River Portraits, includes 33 photographic works by Gilmar Ribeiro and stories captured in soundscape by music duo A Man Called Adam.

In collaboration with artist Diane Watson, pupils from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Grangetown created Game Over, an installation reimagining local wildlife through mosaic-style artwork. This installation will feature as part of the display.

Dr Laura Sillars, Dean of Culture and Creativity at Teesside University and Director of MIMA, said: “People Powered: Stories from the River Tees demonstrated MIMA’s amazing expertise in connecting with communities and bringing their voices and stories forward. Teesside University is at the heart of cultural developments in the North East and is growing its international reputation as a groundbreaking creative institution. This Special Edit display is a perfect new stage in our collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery."

Alexandra Talbott, Senior Producer Creative Projects at the National Portrait Gallery said: “Bringing art and people together is at the heart of our partnership with MIMA. People Powered: Stories from the River Tees is bold and inspiring and brings gallery engagement to the forefront of both organisations. We are excited about MIMA’s practice and delighted to be hosting this special display.”

Claire Pounder, MIMA Learning Curator, said: “Installing artwork from the Middlesbrough Collection in a local school is a historic moment for MIMA. This special partnership with the National Portrait Gallery has brought this vision to the forefront of the project and will see pupils working in collaboration with local artist Diane Watson to discover the importance of the River Tees and its ecosystems.”

Anna McClurey, Executive Head Teacher, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, said: “Our partnership with MIMA has grown over the last five years. Our love of art and learning together is at the heart of this new work and will help us further understand the world we live in.

“This is a great moment for both our teachers and pupils to work alongside an artist and work in collaboration on a new body of artwork.” The original MIMA exhibition welcomed over 37,000 visitors. Through ongoing research and creative partnerships, MIMA continues to deepen its commitment to community engagement and art as a tool for social impact."

The special edit of People Powered can be seen at the Spotlight Space, National Portrait Gallery, London, until 10 November 2024

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