THE new director of Mima has pledged to bring his experience of engaging with the public to the gallery of modern art in Middlesbrough.

Alistair Hudson, deputy director at Grizedale Arts in Coniston, Cumbria, will start his new job in October as the gallery opens its first permanent exhibition space displaying the largest international public collection of contemporary jewellery outside of London.

At Grizedale Arts Mr Hudson said his team introduced a new model of working with art used to help find solutions to problems in the community.

“I have spent the last ten years working on distinctive and engaging public programmes, firmly underpinned by my belief in the role of art and artists to shape, evolve and contribute to society and for art to have a real effect through experiment and education," he said.

Malcolm Page, Teesside University Chief Operating Officer, said: “Alistair’s ideas of making mima ever more relevant to the community and building its status as an international destination are exactly what we were looking for as the gallery becomes part of the university.”

Sir Nicholas Serota, Director of the Tate art museums and galleries, added: “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.”