A PLANNED multi million pound art gallery "will propel Middlesbrough into the arts spotlight".

The comment was made yesterday by a spokesman for the Arts Council England North-East and independent architecture promoters Northern Architecture.

Middlesbrough town hall is to host a free, one-day conference next Thursday - during Architects Week - which will explore the planned design of the gallery, while looking at the type of exhibitions and facilities it will offer.

The £19.2m showcase gallery has been designed by international architect Erick van Egeraat

Spokeswoman Antonia Infanger said: "We hope that people who come along to our Architecture Week event will leave with both an understanding of how the new Mima (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art) building will be arranged and look, and the insight into the architectural design process.''

Andrew Dixon, executive director of Arts Council England, North East, said: "The most important factors for successful arts buildings are the artistic vision, location and the selection of the right architects.

"The appointment of international architects for Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art has already made a statement about the ambition of Tees Valley."

A project by Oliver Zwink, Mima artist in residence, will also be announced at the conference.

He is developing it in partnership with the University of Teesside's Virtual Reality Centre.

Published: 17/06/2004