(Photo credit: Morgan Stephenson)

The Glasshouse (formerly Sage Gateshead) announced that it has received a £2m donation from The Foyle Foundation to support its work with young people.

Already reaching over 50,000 young people each year, the donation will support the music charity to grow and develop its work, under the banner of a new Music Academy for the North East of England. The gift goes towards a the new £20m campaign the charity plans to launch in 2025 to support its ambitions during its third decade.

This announcement also coincides with Glasshouse’s ‘Music makes me feel’ campaign that celebrates the emotional and transformative impact of music education on young people. Through the students’ own words, stories, and a short film, the campaign shows how music can build confidence, joy, and community, giving them a sense of belonging.

Abigail Pogson, Managing Director of The Glasshouse said in a press release,“The Foyle Foundation has long shared our ambition to create opportunities in music for everyone across the North East. 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 Foundation for its commitment to music, our region, and our music charity.’

The Foyle Foundation has been awarding grants to cultural and learning organizations for 25 years, giving almost £150m in total. The foundation has long been a supporter and partner of The Glasshouse and has contributed to several different areas, including upgrades to music-making facilities, education, and Royal Northern Sinfonia. In recognition of their gift, The Glasshouse has renamed its 25-room music education centre the Foyle Music Centre.