The Glasshouse

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music is celebrating two decades of transforming lives through music – with a powerful new report revealing its £681 million contribution to the UK economy and more than 8 million people welcomed through its doors.

Since opening in 2004, the world-renowned music centre in Gateshead has become a driving force for cultural and economic growth in the North East, inspiring millions through live music, education and community programmes.

“This report is a window on just how extraordinary our musical community is,” said Abigail Pogson, Chief Executive of The Glasshouse. “Together, we’ve just entered our third decade, and like many 20-year-olds we’re restless with ambition.”

The 20-year impact report – developed with leading planning and economics consultancy Lichfields – will be officially launched at UKREiiF, the UK’s leading real estate and infrastructure investment forum, in Leeds on 21 May. With the creative industries now a key pillar of the North East’s Local Growth Plan, the event will shine a light on how culture and creativity can drive regeneration, skills and local pride.

Headline findings from the report include:

• £681.2 million added to the UK economy since opening – with £36 million each year in ongoing impact.
• Over 8 million visitors welcomed – enough to fill St James’ Park more than 150 times.
• £14.1 million in annual social value through education, inclusion and community programmes
• 2.8 million interactions with the organisation’s Make Music activities, including 1.8 million with young people.
• 233,000 music sessions for people of all ages delivered across the region.
• 10,000 performances and 4.9 million attendances – from global icons to local stars.
• Nearly 700 jobs supported directly and indirectly.
• £10.6 million generated through conferences and events – helping to fund the venue and support live music and education programmes

Royal Northern Sinfonia continues to bring world-class music to communities across the country, with 58% of performances in “levelling up for culture” areas.

The Glasshouse is now setting out four bold goals for its future:

1. Launch a new Music Academy to support the next generation of musicians.
2. Become the most affordable music centre in Europe.
3. Enter the most creatively ambitious chapter yet.
4. Invest in its iconic riverside building for future generations

These plans build on a 20-year track record of using music to improve lives, grow confidence, and strengthen communities – regardless of background, income or experience. Over half of all tickets sold last year were priced under £30, and 93% under £50. £10 tickets are available for under-30s, alongside pay-what-you-decide gigs and thousands of £5 tickets through accessibility schemes – part of its mission to open up music for everyone.

As the report shows, the impact of The Glasshouse goes far beyond the stage.
“For me, being able to get scholarships for my children when I was on a zero-hours contract was amazing,” said parent Matti Imarhiagbe. “Some things are really inaccessible and unaffordable, but here there is something for everyone.”

Artist Frankie Archer added: “So many inspirational experiences here have helped make me the artist I am today – from learning and having fun in the Folkworks classes as a kid, to developing as an independent musician in Summer Studios, to now being an Artist in Residence.”

Stories like these reflect the wider impact of The Glasshouse – a place where creativity, opportunity and community meet.

“We know music is not a luxury,” added Pogson. “It’s a route to joy, confidence, connection, and growth – not just for individuals, but for whole communities.”

From hosting global stars like Sting, Grace Jones and Herbie Hancock to championing North East artists such as Frankie Archer and Finn Forster, The Glasshouse continues to be a beacon for creativity and inclusion. Its Make Music classes, Weekend School, and schools outreach programme have made music-making a reality for thousands of families.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “The Glasshouse is not just a world-class venue, it’s an economic powerhouse that supports local jobs, and shows the transformative power of culture. Its work to support diverse artists and make music accessible to all is central to my vision of a thriving region where there’s real opportunity.”

Rebecca Ball, Area Director North, Arts Council England said: “Over the last 20 years The Glasshouse has had a profound impact on the North East, the wider UK and internationally. Its success proves that investment in music has far reaching effect: providing exceptional opportunities for children and young people, supporting the creative careers of artists and musicians, and contributing to the nation’s economy. We are proud to support The Glasshouse as one of our National Portfolio Organisations.”

As The Glasshouse enters its third decade, it remains both a landmark and a belief in the power of music to shape lives, strengthen places and inspire the future.

-ENDS-

Susie Gray, susie.gray@premiercomms.com 07834 073795
Jackie Thompson, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Jackie.thompson@theglasshouseicm.org | 0191 443 4602

Notes to Editors:

More about The Glasshouse and the 20-Year Impact Report can found here: https://www.theglasshouseicm.org/impactreport

About The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music is a home for live music lovers.

It’s a place where you can hear rock legends or pop icons on the same night as folk trios or string quartets. Where new musicians are nurtured and showcased on the same stages as platinum-selling performers. And where youth choirs and tambourine-shaking toddlers practise in the same spaces as its acclaimed orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Because as an international centre for music they’re focused on creating and celebrating outstanding music – whether that’s unearthing or growing talent from the region or bringing the world’s best artists to their stages. And as a charity they’re focused on making sure all of that is available to anyone – no matter where you’re from, how old you are, how much money you have, or what challenges you face.

Which is why every year more than 2 million people are able to join for top-notch gigs, concerts, and classes – in their venue at Gateshead Quays, out in communities across the North East, and through livestreamed performances and digital lessons.

Whether you’re making it up or taking it in, you’ll find music lives and grows there.

More about The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

• Since opening in 2004, The Glasshouse has hosted over 10,000 performances, welcoming nearly 5 million audience members. It would take more than 27 years to see every show if you attended one every day.
• Over two decades, the charity has delivered around 230,000 music lessons, reaching young people and adults 2.7 million times across its education programmes.
• As its resident orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia has toured globally, performing across four continents and livestreaming to audiences across five.
• The Glasshouse has supported the careers of thousands of artists like Ward Thomas who have worked their way from free stages to headline shows in its main hall, achieving national and global recognition.
• Since 2004, The Glasshouse has welcomed over 400,000 delegates for conferences and events, hosting organisations such as Greggs, NHS, and British Engines.
• Over the past two decades, The Glasshouse has generated £500 million in economic impact for the North East.
• The iconic building, designed by Foster + Partners, has 630 panes of glass and stands 40 metres tall. In its opening year, it was exhibited at the Venice Biennale and won the RIBA Inclusive Design Award in 2005.
• Celebrating 20 years – In December 2024, The Glasshouse marked its 20th birthday. Over the next year, the charity will reflect on two decades of achievements and look ahead to its third decade, with major initiatives like the Music Academy and Music Pass for newborns, making music accessible to all.