World-class arts venues, a calendar packed with outdoor drama, street art, dance and music; Tees Valley has it all.

Opened at the beginning of this year the £14.5m mima (Middlesbrough's Institute of Modern Art), has put Tees Valley at the forefront of the international arts and culture scene. This landmark gallery plays host to an international programme of exhibitions, presenting the very best in art and craft from 1900 to today. Other art galleries with regular exhibitions from local, national and international artists can be found in the towns of Billingham, Darlington, Hartlepool and Yarm.

Described at the UK's finest street festival, Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) brings the world's most thrilling entertainers to our local stage in a riotous festival of colour and excitement, with death defying stunts and sprited performances. Also look out for the SIRF Fringe; the official element showcasing the best in local talent.

Middlesbrough Mela in July is the region's most successful multi-cultural event, with an exciting programme of Asian music and dance, authentic cuisine and craft and fashion stalls.

For folkines we have international folklore festivals in Billingham and Saltburn presenting the best in both traditional English and worldwide folklore dance, music and song. Or for those who prefer outdoor theatre we have outdoor drame festivals performed in the impressive grounds of Kirkleatham Museum, Gisborough Priory and Darlington's South Park.