Alistair Hudson has been appointed as director of Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (mima), joining the gallery as it becomes part of Teeside University.
Hudson will make the move in October after ten years at Grizedale Arts, where he is currently deputy director. Previously projects curator at the Government Art Collection, Hudson also brings commercial sector experience to mima from his time at Anthony D’Offay gallery.
Part of the Plus Tate UK-wide network of galleries, mima opened to the public in January 2007, with a landmark purpose-built building by Erick van Egeraat Associated Architects.
Bringing with him a Ruskin-inspired ethos of an art that is a useful part of everyday life, that he evolved during his time at Grizedale, Hudson’s mima appointment promises a new direction for the gallery, which is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.
He said: “In a time when all our assumptions about art are being challenged, I believe Middlesbrough presents a perfect situation to grow a new dynamic creative situation that could evolve mima as an exemplar institution; one that is relevant locally, nationally and internationally, leading through radical innovation and education.”
Sir Nicholas Serota, director of the Tate art museums and galleries, said: ‘We are delighted that Alistair Hudson has been appointed mima’s director. Alistair’s belief that art is a vital part of life, and his passion for rooting art in communities, will be given a new platform in Middlesbrough.”
Previous mima director, Kate Brindley, left the role earlier this year to become director at Arnolfini in Bristol.
