Little Boro - Middlesbrough Art Week

Little Boro brought a temporary creative neighbourhood to Centre Square in Middlesbrough as part of Middlesbrough Art Week 2026. 

The pop-up village brought together artists, makers and local communities through exhibitions, installations, workshops and performances.

Cleveland Containers, a division of Cleveland Group supplied eight 20ft shipping containers for the project, which were transformed into individual creative spaces and art installations. With the help of Conversions Manager, Eddie Rees, we worked with the team to help ensure the containers were supplied and delivered ready for their new purpose.

Shipping containers inspired by Middlesbrough's industrial heritage

With Middlesbrough's strong industrial history, the team felt shipping containers were a natural fit for Little Boro. As part of Middlesbrough Art Week, the containers helped create a temporary creative space that connected the project with the character and history of the town.

The containers were also selected for their practical flexibility, providing individual spaces that could be adapted for different artworks, installations and activities throughout the event.

The project was creatively directed by Creative Producer Stella Hall, alongside trainee art psychotherapist Nic Quinn, and led by artist Colin Davies. Nic and Colin also run Sum Place, the public art studio behind the transformation of eight of the containers, with designs created alongside Middlesbrough residents to celebrate people and stories connected to the town. The artwork helped to tell stories from Middlesbrough’s past and present.

Repurposed containers creating a new space for art

Each container became part of the wider Little Boro village, with its own creative purpose and story.

The finished installation created a temporary space where visitors could explore exhibitions, interactive installations, performances and workshops, bringing art and creativity into the centre of Middlesbrough.

For Cleveland, it was a particularly exciting project to be involved in, bringing together two elements closely associated with the town: its industrial heritage and its growing creative scene.

From exhibition spaces and event installations to offices, retail units and specialist conversions, there are many ways a shipping container can be adapted to suit a specific purpose. Read our Complete Shipping Container Buying Guide to explore the different types, sizes and modification options available.