Glasshouse receives £2m to support work with young people

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead has received a £2m donation from The Foyle Foundation to support its work with young people.

The charity, which engages some 50,000 young people each year, said the money will go towards the establishment of a Music Academy for the north east of England, allowing it to “grow and develop its work”.

In 2025 the charity will bring together all its music education and artist development activity within the new Music Academy, with the aim of reaching even more young people.

Through the academy, The Glasshouse intends to increase the number of places available for young people to get involved, reduce financial and socio-economic barriers and support emerging professional musicians by connecting music education with artist development programmes.

Abigail Pogson, managing director of The Glasshouse said: “Our international centre for music will soon celebrate its 20th birthday, and this gift will kickstart one of our most ambitious and vital fundraising campaigns in our history.

“I’d like to thank The Foyle Foundation for its commitment to music, our region, and our music charity.”

David Hall, chief executive of The Foyle Foundation said: “The Foundation is delighted to celebrate and help kickstart The Glasshouse’s anniversary campaign by providing long-term funding for its Music Academy to expand its work and fulfil its long-term potential.

“This will enable many more young people, and others, from across the entire region to benefit from increased music-making, training and routes to career progression within the newly named Foyle Music Centre.”