Second 'We are Open' pop-up shop opens in Middlesbrough

'We Are Open' is Middlesbrough's first pop-up shop project

A second shop has been taken over by artists' in Middlesbrough as part of the 'We Are Open' project.

The town's first pop-up space, opened in Newport Road in December.

The new unit opened on Monday, 1 March 2010 on Albert Road, opposite mima, backed by the arts group Designer Marketplace, which stages travelling arts markets all over the North.

Both spaces show and sell work from established and emerging artists, designers and makers

Fast-changing retail

'We Are Open' curator Jenny Hall, said: "We're staging events throughout the 12 months the project is running in the two units, helping to rejuvenate the town centre.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to show work by some of the region's most talented artists and designer makers."

Olivia Monaghan, director of Design Mob - the first arts group to show at the Newport Road pop-up store, said: "This is a great opportunity for the creative community to exhibit and sell its work in the town centre, to an audience which may not be exposed to contemporary art.

"It's a very exciting way to merge art and enterprise, and give the town centre a new vibrancy."

The two shops will also be staging special events and shows throughout Spring, to create a lively, fast-changing retail environment which follows a growing international movement pioneered in the U.S.

To get involved in the 'We Are Open' project email Jenny Hall at [e-mail]