News & Reviews

A new director for mima

28th May 2009

Categories: Visitor News

Kate Brindley has been appointed as mima’s new Director. Kate will be the second director to lead Middlesbrough’s internationally renowned gallery, following on from Founding Director Godfrey Worsdale.

It is anticipated that she will formally take up her duties at mima in mid July 2009. Kate studied art history at Leeds University and museum and gallery studies at Manchester University. She brings 15 years’ experience in the visual arts and museums sector to the post and to Middlesbrough.

For the last 4 years Kate has been Director of Museums, Galleries and Archives for Bristol City Council. Her achievements in Bristol have included developing the vision and securing funding for the New Museum of Bristol, a new £26million museum on Bristol’s harbour-side, and securing a £1million award from Art Fund International.

Kate Brindley said: “I am extremely excited about taking up the post. I look forward to working with the team at mima and Middlesbrough Council, Arts Council England North East and many other partners to further mima’s ambition locally and globally.”

She went on to say: “I am passionate about making the visual arts accessible and truly believe in the power of the arts to enrich lives. I was inspired to work in the arts following trips to the Mappin and Graves Art Galleries in Sheffield as a child, and I am extremely committed to working with young people and learning and look forward to building on the great work mima already does with the community in Middlesbrough.”

Councillor Dave Budd, Middlesbrough Council's Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: "We always appreciated that the departure of Godfrey Worsdale left big shoes to fill. However Kate's appointment is a major coup for mima and the town as a whole.”

"To attract such a high-profile nationally known figure as Kate to Middlesbrough demonstrates the strategic importance that mima is taking on the national arts scene.”

"She will be a welcome addition to both mima and Middlesbrough and I look forward to working with her as we build on the fantastic work that has already been done."

Ian Parker, the Council's Chief Executive, added: "I am delighted with this appointment and look forward to working with Kate whose reputation and ability make her the ideal candidate for this key role.”

"mima has proved a huge hit in the town and far beyond, and I'm sure Kate will play a major part in taking the gallery on to a new level."