Sally Rodgers, a Middlesbrough native and one half of the UK Balearic duo A Man Called Adam, has been commissioned by the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) and the Turner Prize to curate the official opening after party for the 2026 Turner Prize event in Teesside.
The event will bring together live music, strings, sound system culture, comedy, and regional creative talent. Rodgers and her band will perform a rare live set tracing a musical journey from Middlesbrough to the Balearics and back.
Reflecting on recent challenges in the area, Rodgers has spoken about ongoing conversations around supporting police and emergency services, as well as addressing long-term unemployment in some local communities. She emphasises the important work MIMA and other local organisations are doing to promote Teesside’s creative communities.
Rodgers highlights that while the Turner Prize might seem distant from recent difficulties, it offers an opportunity to showcase Teesside positively and celebrate the pride and creativity of local people.
In addition to her role at the Turner Prize, Rodgers and A Man Called Adam are celebrating the 35th anniversary of their debut album, The Apple. To mark the occasion, they will release an orchestrally inspired new version of their track ‘Barefoot in the Head’ titled ‘Barefoot 26’ on 24 September.
