Conversations in Painting: Fiesta Mk2 is a multi-venue festival of painting across the Tees Valley with solo and group shows, talks, seminars and workshops.

Fiesta Mk2 celebrates painting and its ongoing legacy, wider appeal and the rise of supportive physical and online networks across the UK, often outside of the gallery system.

Creative Factory, in partnership with The Northern School of Art and Conversations in Painting are pleased to host an informal conversation including short presentations from painters involved in the exhibitions as well as significant networks across the UK.

Contributors include Paula MacArthur, Paint Lounge, Sarah Cooney, Conversations in Painting; Liam O'Connor, LLE; Gordon Dalton, Creative Factory; Phil King, Turps Banana; Judith Tucker, Paint North; Narbi Price, Contemporary British Painting, Chris Shaw, Three Works.

Conversations in Painting is an artist led group which aims to open up a conversation between artists and the public around contemporary painting practice. The group serves as a hub and network for supporting Tees Valley based painting practitioners that also has a national/international remit. The project seeks to highlight the strength of the painting community evolving from Tees Valley and establish the area as a place that supports painting practice. Conversations in Painting contributes to the field of contemporary painting through exhibitions, talks, workshops and studio visits.

Creative Factory is Middlesbrough’s Great Place project, directly supporting and listening to artists. Funded by Tees Valley Combined Authority, Middlesbrough Council, Arts Council England and National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Northern School of Art is the only educational institution in the north east devoted to art and design. The majority of the staff are practising artists, designers and artisans. As one of the few specialist art and design institutions in the country, the School has a strong reputation, educating and employing many of the painters in Fiesta Mk2.

Limited parking available at rear of building – accessible via Roman Road.

Nearby on-street parking available