Artwork created in Middlesbrough will be displayed in the German town of Oberhausen, aiming to strengthen cultural ties between the twin towns.

A new exhibition, ‘In Common’ – or ‘Gemeinsam’ in German – will open in the Galerie KiR next week.

The name reflects how residents in both towns can share perspectives through art and creativity, with four Teesside-based artists sending their work.

The exhibition had been due to be held in March 2020, but was postponed due to the Covid pandemic.

Fittingly, its revival in 2024 marks the Golden Jubilee of the partnership between the two towns, which began in 1974, which will see the town’s elected mayor, Chris Cooke, visit Oberhausen.

Graham Jarritt outside the KiR gallery

Graham Jarritt and Barbara Griffin started the journey to Germany with a ferry crossing from Hull last weekend with the works from Barbara, an artist and weaver, visual artist Claire Baker, graphic artist Nicola Golightly and artist and book publisher Rumana Yasmin in tow.

It’s the start of a busy week which has seen pieces hung in the KiR before the other artists arrive, with the hope that the exhibition strengthens cultural ties and establishes new relationships.

The exhibition will then open on August 25 and run until Sunday October 6.

Graham said: “This has been a project five years in the making – and now we’re excited to be in a position to launch the exhibition.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the brilliant artistic talent we have in Middlesbrough, and to establish and consolidate greater cultural exchange between the two towns.

“We would like to thank Arts Council England, who have supported the exhibition through their National Lottery Project Grants programme, Oberhausen City Council and the KiR gallery.”

Barbara Griffin with Winfried Baar, chair of Galerie KiR

Cllr Philippa Storey, Deputy Mayor and Executive Member for Culture at Middlesbrough Council, said: “Middlesbrough’s ambition is to be the Most Creative Town in the UK – from our incredible museums and galleries to our independent artists and spaces, the town has so much to offer.

“Sharing art is one of the best ways we can learn more about each other and I know that exhibitions like this will only deepen the cultural ties between Middlesbrough and Oberhausen.”