#YourPublicRealm explores the past, present and future of the area, bringing in archival information and heritage knowledge through creative engagement opportunities with a wide range of people. 

This work started in November 2022 with a pop-up exhibition and research lab based in Zetland Buildings in Exchange Square, inviting the public to have their say and gathering responses through sound, film and performance art.

Focused outreach sessions have taken place with students from Middlesbrough College, Northern School of Art and a local elder’s group to explore what these spaces might become.  Local people and businesses have been invited to talks about urban design and the town’s development from landscape architects, Historic England and Middlesbrough Council, and were invited to share their thoughts on how these key areas of public realm could look and feel in the future.

Regional artists including Dyad, The Word Collective and Rachel Deakin have been commissioned to create new works which offer an alternative perspective and invite responses to three key questions.

What would make Exchange Square a safe and vibrant public space to spend more time in?
Tell us how you would encourage more people to use this space?
How can heritage feature in the design and creation of these spaces?

Visit the Historic Quarter website to tell us what you think here

Exhibition open Thurs, Fri and Sat 11am-4pm until 11th February
The Masham, 27 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 1RL