Local art students were given the chance to showcase their work as part of Middlesbrough FC’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
Students from The Northern School of Art took centre stage at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium with an animated tribute during the milestone fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, October 10.
The animation, created by students from visual arts degree programmes, was displayed on the stadium’s big screens and LED advertising boards.
The Northern School of Art students animation on the big screen at Middlesbrough FC Stadium Saturday 10 October (Image: Northern School of Art)
The students were tasked with creating short animated loops that celebrated the club’s history, fanbase, and deep connection to the Teesside community.
MA student Seb Picken curated the final presentation, bringing together the students’ individual perspectives of what Middlesbrough FC means to fans.
Shelly Webster, a BA (Hons) Illustration for Commercial Application student, said: "I looked into how people love the club, seeing how to translate that into my work, so when they see my work, it shows off the Middlesbrough they love.
"The lion mascot was something I wanted to incorporate as it is quite fierce like the club, so I wanted to incorporate that, and the fans’ energy and positivity for the club.
"It gets creatives onto a platform they might not think exists, and it’s a great way to inspire people."
The Northern School of Art students animation on the LED advertising boards at Middlesbrough FC Stadium Saturday 10 October (Image: Northern School of Art)
Amy Shore, a second-year illustration student, said: "Seeing the final outcome is really exciting, it was scary to think it’s going to be in front of so many people on the match day, it’s definitely fulfilling seeing my work out there, it’s like a scary good."
This project is the latest development in a season-long partnership between Middlesbrough FC and the Northern School of Art, which has already featured student work on the front covers of official home matchday programmes this season.
Ace Edwards' Roseberry Topping-inspired illustration featured on the programme cover for Middlesbrough FC's league opener against Lincoln City (Image: Northern School of Art)
The collaboration now includes students from illustration, graphic design, digital marketing and animation courses in Hartlepool.
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Matt Barber, marketing manager for Middlesbrough Football Club, said: "It was our pleasure to be able to integrate the animation project from The Northern School of Art students into the pre-match build-up to our 150th anniversary celebration fixture against Wolves.
"The artwork took pride of place across the big screen and LED advertising boards and formed a fitting part of what was a truly special and memorable occasion for the club and its fans.
"This is just the latest stage of an ongoing creative relationship between the club and The Northern School of Art which is going from strength to strength."