Music lives and grows here
Music lives and grows here: the creative sector is a superpower for UKPLC’s growth in 21st century. Let’s all get to it!
Our venue on the banks of the Tyne serves as a hub for the entire North East, embracing all music genres and celebrating the joy of performance, participation, and education.
Nurturing communities and values
We are not just a concert hall; we’re a centre that nurtures individuals and communities. Since our charity was founded 20 years ago, we have sought to make music available to everyone in a region that was previously underserved. In that time, over 1.8 million young people have taken part in musical activities provided through The Glasshouse. Our growth mirrors the transformation we want for the entire country – a trajectory that includes regions beyond metropolitan centres, particularly for those with fewer resources. If we exclude communities from growth, the progress we all aspire to achieve is unattainable.
The role of the creative sector
While national dialogues centre around Industrial Strategies and regional growth plans, the wider creative sector stands ready to contribute. This moment is pivotal; it presents an opportunity for long-term strategies that are not bound by political cycles.
The creative sector is a ‘hero sector.’ In 2022 alone, it pumped £126 billion into the UK economy. It was the fastest-growing part of the UK economy before the pandemic and, even with the significant blows dealt by Covid-19, has now reclaimed and exceeded that status by 2025. Last year, The Glasshouse contributed £38.6 million to the economy. Yet our sector, which comprises less than 5% of the UK workforce, cannot drive growth alone. Real, inclusive growth requires the involvement of every sector.
The creative sector’s superpower
The creative sector’s additional star quality lies in its ability to fuel education and skills, which are in demand across the rest of the economy – where the vast majority of the workforce is. The creative sector nurtures creativity – an essential quality that employers across the whole range of industries are seeking as they prepare for a future workforce. This education is not just about entering creative professions; it builds a broader foundation for lifelong learning that prepares individuals to adapt as workplace demands evolve.
Creativity is less emphasized than traditional subjects like Maths and English, but it is equally critical. Many in the creative sector are not beholden to short-term outcomes; instead, we focus on values such as well-being, quality of life, and community connection – as well as making a major contribution to the economy of the UK.
Beyond education: a network of contributions
And the creative sector offers more than educational benefits. Our industry excels in soft power and attracts diverse investment, complementing vital public funding. We have a network of cultural centres, like The Glasshouse, that serve as community spaces, bringing people together for enrichment and growing resilience. These centres are unique in the public sphere – they are neither for the State to do something to its population like a hospital or a school, nor based on retail like shopping centres; they are vital, life-affirming hubs that embody the spirit of community.
A call to action
As we look ahead to designing comprehensive Industrial Strategies and Regional Growth Plans, it is crucial to engage with those who think differently – those within the creative sector. The potential for innovation lies outside traditional frameworks, and our voices are ready to be heard.
Let’s embrace this opportunity to rethink growth and collaboration in the 21st century. The creative sector is here and ready to make a difference. Let’s get to it!
