Beating heart to make a permanent return to the Middlesbrough skyline
It proved a hit as part of the town's 'Art Weekender' last year
A striking artwork is once again lighting up the Middlesbrough night skyline.
Local artist Stuart Langley's 35-metre Beating Heart has returned as a permanent feature on Church House, one of the tallest buildings in the town centre.
The tower block's windows have been transformed by an animated LED matrix programmed to make a beating heart sequence every evening after dusk.
Beating Heart has previously been shown in Leeds, Manchester and London, and proved a hit in Middlesbrough as part of last year's Middlesbrough Art Weekender.
The work will form a playful backdrop to key moments in Middlesbrough's cultural sector which is already playing a major role in the town's regeneration.
It's a potent symbol of the Council's commitment to placing art and culture at the heart of the town's regeneration as it bids for city status in the Queen's Platinum Jubilee year.
A key strand of Middlesbrough's city bid focuses on the positive impact of creativity on lives and livelihoods and in changing perceptions of places that may have been previously overlooked.
While currently 30% of the population of Middlesbrough live in areas ranked among the 10% most deprived in England, the town has been highlighted for its potential for regeneration.
It has received significant funding from Historic England, Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England to support the regeneration of the town.
"An amazing addition..."
Stuart Langley said:
"As a proud Teesside-based artist, I'm thrilled to have Beating Heart permanently installed in Middlesbrough.
"By filling disused space with such a dynamic artwork, I hope to visualise the energy and ambition of the town centre and its people, and spread some positivity in the meantime."
Charlotte Nicol, Middlesbrough Council's Head of Culture, added
"Beating Heart will be an amazing addition to Middlesbrough's skyline.
"Our town centre is undergoing a transformation and we're determined to put the arts and culture at the forefront.
"The stunning image of the Beating Heart was the perfect introduction to our city status bid because it showcases our town's love of art."
Town Centre Manager Michelle McPhee said:
"Beating Heart was a beautiful addition to our town last year.
"The effects of the lighting on nearby streets and the feedback from businesses and visitors was fantastic.
"It's great to have Stuart's work go back on show. I'd really encourage people to come down and see it in person."
Middlesbrough Deputy Mayor Councillor Mieka Smiles said:
"I absolutely loved the Beating Heart first time around and I'm so pleased we're able to work with Stuart and building owners Jomast to bring it back.
"There is so much positivity around Middlesbrough at the moment and the lights from the heart are a great reminder of that. It helps our town look fantastic on an evening."