Talks
Talks
This year's programme of talks, conversations and panel discussions invites audiences to explore the ideas at the heart of Island of Neighbours. Bringing together artists, curators, producers, researchers and community voices, the programme asks what it means to live creatively alongside one another, and how art can help us build stronger, more connected communities.
From artist talks and curatorial walkthroughs to discussions on public space, participation, identity and the future of artistic practice, each event offers an opportunity to listen, question and contribute. Whether you're an artist, a first-time visitor or simply curious, these sessions are designed to spark conversation and encourage everyone to become an active participant in the cultural life of Middlesbrough.
All talks and panel discussions are free to attend, but capacity is limited; be sure to book your place in advance.
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Go behind the scenes of the North East Open Call with curator Penny Payne and exhibiting artists.
Join Penny Payne, curator of the North East Open Call (NEOC), for an informal conversation exploring one of the region's largest and most ambitious open exhibitions. Hear about the selection process, curatorial decisions and the themes that emerged from this year's submissions, alongside insights from exhibiting artists. Whether you're an artist considering applying in the future or simply curious about the exhibition, this is a chance to go behind the scenes of a programme that has become a vital platform for contemporary artists across the North. Light refreshments provided.
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Meet the collaborators behind Island of Neighbours and discover how MAW26 was shaped through art, ideas and partnership.
Go behind the scenes of Island of Neighbours with the programme collaborators who helped shape this year's festival. Introduced by Artistic Director Liam Slevin, the discussion brings together Penny Payne, Sue Loughlin, Steve Kirby, Holly Willats, Stella Hall and Kypros Kyprianou to explore the ideas, partnerships and processes behind MAW26. From artist development and community engagement to music, exhibitions and public participation, discover how a festival of this scale is built through collaboration and shared ambition.
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What happens after an exhibition or project ends? How do artists build sustainable art practices, find genuinely supportive relationships and continue to make work they believe in?
Join Dr Susan Jones and special invited artists for a conversation inspired by her independent research study Artists’ lives: ecologies for resilience. Together, they’ll explore artists’ approaches to and experiences of sustaining artistic practices including how communities and infrastructures enable artists to survive and thrive and why direct support to artists is essential to a healthy society. Bringing together artists, producers and cultural leaders, this discussion explores what it really takes for artists to live flourishing lives.
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Join curator Holly Willats for a guided tour of Thresholds, exploring DIY culture, creativity and ambitious contemporary art.
Join curator Holly Willats for a guided tour of Thresholds, an exhibition celebrating DIY culture, playful making and ambitious ideas. Discover the thinking behind the exhibition, explore how the selected artists connect with music, fashion, design and performance, and hear how modest materials can communicate powerful ideas. Designed with young people in mind but inspiring for all ages this walkthrough offers a unique insight into one of Middlesbrough Art Week's headline exhibitions.
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Join Sue Loughlin (MOTHEROTHER Founder), Hettie Judah (Writer, Curator and Co-Founder of the Art Working Parents Alliance), Claire Ong (MOTHEROTHER’s featured artist at MAW 2026) and Alia Gargum (MOTHEROTHER Support Recipient 2024), for talks, discussion and an exploration of creating and staining a career in the arts as a parent or carer.
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12:30 - 13:30 is doughnut hour at Transactionland! Join us to eat free doughnuts and learn about economist Kate Raworth’s model of doughnut economics with local group the Boro Doughnut. No experience or prior knowledge needed - all welcome!
No need to book, just pop in.
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Can you control the markets? Are you going to win big? Will you make your millions before the time is up?!
For one afternoon only, we’re transforming Transactionland into a board game lounge!
Join us to play a selection of rare and unusual economy-themed board games. Refreshments available to keep you going throughout the afternoon.
No need to book - just turn up.
