The Glasshouse

This autumn, our Artistic Partner Corinne Bailey Rae led a moving project with students from Brighton Avenue Primary School and professional dancers and musicians that embraced diversity and individuality.

Corinne saw this project as a brilliant opportunity for artists from the region to inspire the next generation of young people in Gateshead. She said:

“When I was invited to be an Artistic Partner, the first thing I thought about was the young people and the local community. Young people have so much creativity, and music as a place of self-expression is really important for them to build their confidence and communication skills.”

A MOBO Awards inspired project, Corinne united musicians Stephen Brown, Hannabiell Sanders, John Pope and Oladapo Nuga, led by Phil Davids, Senior Programme Leader at The Glasshouse, and dancers Amber Hylton, Kayleigh Oborka-Letman and Azula Bandit, led by Martin and Debbie Hylton from Gateway Studio in Gateshead, and Brighton Avenue.

Phil believes projects such as this show what’s possible when we work together as a region. He said:

“With support from the Mayor and the North East Combined Authority, The Glasshouse can connect amazing artists with young people here in Gateshead. And it’s for everyone – whoever you are, wherever you’re from, whatever your background – everyone is welcome here.”

The project filled the school hall with rhythm, movement and big ideas, encouraging the students to think about their hopes and dreams. It all wrapped up with a celebratory live performance for friends and family at The Glasshouse, leaving everyone inspired by what can be achieved creatively in such a short space of time when you work together.

Student Matina said after the showing:

“Before I felt nervous, now I feel proud of myself.”

Martin reflected:

“To see their faces and the sense of achievement they got from the performance – just amazing. It’s brilliant to watch.”

One of the things Corinne loved most was seeing the students spot their parents in the audience:

“I remember that as a young person – that pride in what you had done. They’ve done things they didn’t think they could.”

The project successfully achieved all its goals, with an abundance of community spirit. The student’s confidence soared, along with their understanding of Black and global majority culture, and Brighton Avenue engaged in a cultural activity with The Glasshouse and local artists.

Corinne hopes the young people remember the joy of performing and the relationships they’ve made:

“I hope they’ll remember how nervous they might have been when they first started and then how bold they were. I hope they’ll remember how they were able to ask questions and how the adults were respectful to them.

I really hope they take the confidence into all the things they’re doing, but they’re already very much on their way.”

Wendy Smith, Creative Director at The Glasshouse, concluded:

“This MOBO inspired music project has been a joy to see unfold. With Corinne Bailey Rae, one of our Artistic Partners, leading the way and working alongside incredible local choreographers, dancers, and musicians, we’ve seen something truly special happen.

“The young people embraced creativity and self-expression, growing in confidence and self-knowledge. It’s a brilliant example of what can be achieved when we come together as a community.”