One of the North East's leading artist-led organisations has announced an official opening day for its newly redeveloped creative hub in the North East.
The Auxiliary Project Space, based in the centre of Middlesbrough, will welcome artists, supporters and members of the public into its new 14,000 sq ft complex from Wednesday, September 9.
The opening marks the completion of a major redevelopment project backed by a £1.6 million investment from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's Cultural Development Fund, Middlesbrough Development Corporation and Tees Valley Combined Authority.
Founded in Stockton in 2016 as a self-funded sound art residency, The Auxiliary has grown into a nationally recognised arts organisation and has been part of Arts Council England's National Portfolio since 2023.
Auxiliary's new home includes 27 artist studios, a co-working space, contemporary art gallery, experimental music venue and community garden.
More than 100 artists take part in its exhibition and events programme each year.
Artistic director Liam Slevin said the opening represented a significant milestone for both the organisation and the wider creative sector in Tees Valley.
"This building has never just been about bricks and mortar," he said.
"From the beginning, The Auxiliary has been about creating the conditions for artists to make ambitious work, build sustainable careers and connect with communities.
"After years of working in temporary and often challenging spaces, we're incredibly proud to finally open a permanent home that belongs to artists and is a creative resource for the people of Tees Valley."
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Over the past decade, The Auxiliary has built a reputation for transforming empty retail units and unused spaces across Teesside into venues for art, music and cultural events.
The organisation also runs Middlesbrough Art Week and Sonic Arts Week, supporting emerging regional talent alongside internationally recognised artists.
Liam said the new venue reflected what could be achieved when artists, funding partners and public investment came together to support culture.
He said: "We hope this becomes a space where people discover contemporary art for the first time, where artists take risks, where communities feel ownership and where new ideas are given the room to grow."
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: "Investing in our creative industries is vital if we are to ensure talented local artists, musicians and creatives can build successful careers right here at home."
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke believes the organisation had become an important part of the town's cultural offer and praised the role its festivals, artists and programmes play in the area's bid to become UK City of Culture.
Jane Tarr, director for the North East at Arts Council England, also welcomed the opening and said the space would support Middlesbrough's growing artist community while making contemporary art more accessible to local people.
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