Newcastle Gateshead Music City aims to foster investment, jobs, and education in music.
- The initiative promises a collaborative music strategy with local creative organisations.
- Research will map the region’s music ecosystem for better musician access.
- A Music Board will be established to support North East artists’ careers.
- Music tourism to the region increased by 29% in 2023, highlighting growth.
Newcastle Gateshead Music City is an ambitious initiative launched by Generator and The Glasshouse International Centre for Music to drive investment, bolster job creation, and enhance education and skills within the music industry. This endeavour seeks to empower musicians and industry professionals, creating a thriving ecosystem comparable to any major UK city.
Central to the initiative is the formation of a comprehensive music strategy in partnership with other regional creative entities. This strategy aims to leverage the power of music as a catalyst for regional growth and community support, integrating diverse creative organisations to achieve this goal.
A pivotal component of Newcastle Gateshead Music City is conducting vital research to document the current assets and potential expansion areas within the region’s music scene. This includes creating a detailed map of available venues, studios, and support systems, ensuring that musicians can easily locate necessary resources.
The initiative will also establish a Music Board, drawing together representatives from music, business, and creative sectors. This board will include grassroots venues, studios, and major labels, providing a framework to help North East artists launch and sustain vibrant creative careers.
Music tourism in the region is flourishing, evidenced by a significant 29% increase in visitors during 2023, as reported by UK Music. By nurturing and showcasing local talent, the initiative aims to amplify this trend, enticing more visitors and establishing the region as a prime destination for music enthusiasts.
Award-winning singer-songwriter Sam Fender has publicly endorsed Newcastle Gateshead Music City, expressing pride in the region’s rich musical heritage. He emphasises the importance of investing in local talent to ensure music becomes a priority sector in the North East.
Generator, a key player in the initiative, has successfully formed alliances with major labels like EMI North and Warner UK over the past two years. Their efforts have introduced influential industry figures to the opportunities in the North East, paving the way for future growth.
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, alongside Generator, will house the Newcastle Gateshead Music City office. Creative Director Wendy Smith highlights the importance of building a robust music community and cultivating local talent, ensuring accessibility to music education and career opportunities for all demographics.
The announcement of the MOBO Awards arriving in Newcastle in February 2025, along with the MOBO Fringe Festival, underscores the growing national recognition of the region’s diverse musical landscape.
By creating such a comprehensive framework, Newcastle Gateshead Music City aspires to position the North East as a national powerhouse in the music industry, benefiting both local communities and the broader cultural economy.
Newcastle Gateshead Music City promises to transform the North East into a pivotal music hub in the UK.
