Turner Prize workshops hope to inspire youngsters

School children have been taking part in workshops inspired by this year's Turner Prize nominated artworks.

Teesside University's Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) is hosting work by four artists in the running for the prestigious award - Simeon Barclay, Kira Freije, Marguerite Humeau and Tanoa Sasraku.

Around 17,000 youngsters across the Tees Valley have been signed up to the Turner on Tees schools programme which involves artist-led workshops.

Senior learning curator at MIMA, Claire Pounder, said they hoped to inspire "cultural confidence and capital" and get young people visiting galleries.

The Turner Prize is awarded each year to a British artist for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work.

Speaking during a workshop with Brambles Primary Academy, based in the town, Pounder said: "When you get here, you're wondering, you're philosophical, you're asking questions, you're challenging.

"It's literally the spirit of the Turner Prize."

Year 4 pupils Muhammed thought the art "looked cool", whereas his classmate Holly thought it "looked kind of strange".

Elsie added: "We've had a lot of fun, and we're excited about what's coming next."

Chief executive of Tees Valley education multi academy trust, Katrina Morley, said such opportunities allowed children to flourish.

"Our children and young people are the future of our communities, and so as custodians we're showing them where they might want to go next."

The Turner Prize exhibition at MIMA runs until 29 March 2027. The winner will be announced on 10 December 2026.

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