The Glasshouse

Music-making for more than 30,000 children and young people from across the region will continue through Sage Gateshead until 2023, thanks to a new three-year partnership with Kavli Trust.

The funding from Kavli Trust will support Sage Gateshead’s work with children and young people experiencing challenging circumstances and those with special educational needs and disabilities.

The new partnership comes at a crucial time as Sage Gateshead moves much of its music learning programme online because of Covid-19.

After the initial lockdown, Sage Gateshead took its Young Musicians Programme online, with over 180 lessons every week. It will continue to expand the online programme via a safe digital learning platform.

Graeme Thompson attends Music Spark, a music training programme for young people and adults aged 15-25 with additional needs. He has learnt how to lead a music workshop, gained an NCFE qualification in personal and social development, a Silver Arts Award and lots of experience in different areas such as production, promotion and film-making. Graeme said: “Coming here has changed my life. I feel happier, I have matured and become more confident.”

The music charity has also created digital resource packs for partners, schools, parents and carers so that children and young people can continue their music learning at home, as well as music packs for children and young people who do not have access to the internet.

Wendy Smith, Director of Creative Learning said: “We’re delighted that our programme of music-making for children and young people is once again being supported by Kavli Trust. 

“We know the positive impact music can have, particularly on mental health and well-being, so now more than ever it is important that we can continue musical engagement with young people. It is thanks to the generosity of donors and businesses such as Kavli that we can help ensure that thousands of children and young people can benefit, thrive and progress musically.”

Sage Gateshead’s children and young people’s programme will continue online throughout the autumn.  They are now working to create a hybrid learning model which blends face to face and online activity.

This will enable them to be adaptable and flexible in response to the ongoing challenge of Covid-19.

The Kavli Trust, which owns Norway’s Kavli group, produces the well-known Kavli and Primula spreadable cheeses and Q-Meieriene dairy products as well as other food products in Norway, Sweden, Finland and the UK have worked with Sage Gateshead since 2014, supporting culture.

Inger Elise Iversen, General Manager at Kavli Trust said: “Kavli Trust is very happy to announce another new agreement with Sage Gateshead. We look forward to continuing our long-term partnership providing the opportunity for thousands of children to experience the joy of singing in their local communities.”

The Norwegian-based Kavli Group has a longstanding connection to the region where its UK business has been based for over 90 years. Kavli UK employs more than 100 people at its Team Valley headquarters and in 2017 was named as one of Ward Hadaway and The Journal’s ‘Fastest 50’ growing businesses in the North East. Its unique business model means that after investments all profits are donated to the Kavli Trust which supports good causes locally and worldwide.

In line with government guidance, Sage Gateshead remains closed and its children and young people’s programme continues online. The hope is that over the coming months the organisation will reassess the logistics, health and safety of face to face learning and where possible adopt a hybrid model of face to face and online activity.

Ends

For further information, interviews or images please contact:
Jackie Thompson, Marketing & Communications Manager, Sage Gateshead
E: Jackie.thompson@sagegateshead.com

Notes to Editors

Project Description:

Sage Gateshead is an international music centre located in the North East of England. It is for artists, for audiences and for the North. We are a charity and rely on the support of donors so that everyone in the North East community can experience the joy of music.  Music-making and learning activity takes place not only in our building but across the region – 190,000 people of all ages took part in over 10,000 music classes and workshops last year.  This new partnership with Kavli Trust will support Sage Gateshead’s programme of activity for children and young people experiencing challenging circumstances and those with special educational needs and disabilities.

https://kavlifondet.no/en/about-kavlifondet/

Sage Gateshead

• Since opening 15 years ago, Sage Gateshead has worked side by side with partners and the wider community to help address the complex blend of social and economic challenges the region faces.
• Sage Gateshead continues to be major employer and has brought investment and tourism into the region, generating c. £500 million contribution to the local economy.
• More importantly, Sage Gateshead has brought social, cultural and educational value to over 10 million people and millions more via digital and broadcast activity.
• Last year Sage Gateshead attracted 2 million visitors; 5,000 people took part in weekly music classes; 17,854 school children experienced live orchestral music and we worked with a further 2,418 vulnerable young people; more than 2,000 adults a week took part in music making designed to tackle social isolation.
• The North East region is one of the worst affected by Covid-19. The region will be one where the recovery is slow and hard. Arts and culture have a pivotal role to play in regional and nation-wide recovery.
• Covid-19 presents a major financial challenge to Sage Gateshead, the iconic Foster + Partners designed NE landmark.  80% of its income has been affected, and in 2020-21 £10 million in revenue will be lost. The organisation has taken swift action to overcome this crisis, but further challenges lie ahead. 90% of the workforce has been on furlough, significant cost savings have been sought and found, and its fundraising campaign aims to raise £3 million to help secure the organisation during the next three years. However, income levels are likely to be drastically reduced well into next year, and so the charity is redoubling its fundraising efforts.
• Arts and Culture in the North East had a turnover of £400 million, providing employment for 2,450 people in 2016 (last year for which figures are available)
• Performing arts accounted for 33% (i.e. >£133 million) and 700 jobs
• Gross Value Added of arts and culture sector to the NE is £203 million

Sage Gateshead is an international music centre and renowned conference and event venue located in the North East of England. It is for artists, for audiences and for the North.

We are a charity and rely on the support of donors to ensure everyone in the North East community can experience the joy of music.

Every year we welcome more than two million visitors. More than 400 concerts featuring all kinds of local, regional and international music, take place all year round. Music-making and learning activity takes place not only in the building but across the region, with 190,000 people of all ages taking part in over 10,000 music classes and workshops.

The iconic building, designed by renowned architects Foster + Partners, is home to Royal Northern Sinfonia and is a place where emerging artists are nurtured through dedicated programmes and festivals.