Helping Mima celebrate 10 years

We're delighted our Creative Age project will be a part of Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art's 10th anniversary celebrations later this month.

Launched last year Creative Age is a weekly dementia-friendly group based at Mima taking part in artist-led creative sessions.

We created the project in venues across the North East and Cumbria to support cultural venues to widen their offer for older people and those living with dementia.

Debbi Smith's mum began attending Creative Age sessions following a diagnosis of frontal temporal dementia. She said: "I can't put into words what it means to her and the family. Life can be tough for her when she is constantly 'wrong' or doesn't know what to do. I love to speak to mum on a Tuesday. I hear her excitement as she recounts what she has done.

"I just feel as though the group and activities were tailor made for her. They seem to challenge her and tap into her inner most resources without over-whelming her."

Understanding the positive role arts venues can play, Mima director Alistair Hudson said: "We wanted to offer a more useful programme of activities that will have an impact on society and culture. The health and wellbeing of the region is high on our agenda, we feel this is a truly fitting project to be working on alongside Equal Arts."

On February 11, 2017, from 12pm Mima will open its doors celebrating its 10th anniversary with a new and permanent display of the Middlesbrough Collection. An array of pieces from the town's collection of modern and contemporary art and craft which have been selected by the gallery's users, constituent groups, visitors and staff.

Between 12pm and 1pm in the atrium visitors can drop-in to a Creative Age session and get making with the group.

At 1pm there'll be a free lunch with the Marske Fishermen's Choir perform a medley of songs from 1.30pm till 2pm.

From 2pm until 3.30pm the Cloth Club will host a drop-in session where visitors can learn the art of making rag rugs.

For full listings of the day visit http://www.visitmima.com/whats-on/single/middlesbrough-institute-of-modern-art-a-celebration-of-10-years/