Newcastle Gateshead Music City Appoints Dynamic New Strategic Board to Support Ambitious Plans to Supercharge the City Region’s Thriving Music Industry
Artists, grassroots venues, record labels, media and PR, academics and industry professionals create a diverse and powerful new Strategic Board to inspire next phase of Newcastle Gateshead Music City initiative.
With representation from a broad spectrum of the music industry, the Board will bring their passion, expertise and lived experience from within the music industry to help shape the next chapter of the Music City.
Driven by the research behind the newly published Foundation Report, the Board will support the Music City Office, co-led by The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and Generator, to turn the findings into action.
Newcastle Gateshead Music City will accelerate the momentum already seen across the region’s music industry from major label partnerships, a strategic partnership with the BBC, world-class venues and increasing investment in skills and facilities. From emerging talent building confidence in local venues to artists reaching national and global stages, a strong cultural identity and DIY communities, the report and passionate Board demonstrates a city region that continues to punch above its weight and sets the stage for an even more ambitious future for music in Newcastle Gateshead.
Michelle Escoffery, Chair of Newcastle Gateshead Music City Board said: “As Chair, I am proud to be shaping a Strategic Board that reflects the energy, ambition and diversity of the Newcastle Gateshead Music City vision. This is a dynamic and well-balanced group of leaders, bringing both depth of experience and fresh perspective. Through collaboration and a clear focus on solutions, growth and delivery, we are committed to unlocking opportunity for the region and extending our impact far beyond it.”
Jim Mawdsley, Vice Chair of Newcastle Gateshead Music City Board said: “While music had always been a strong part of the cultural identity of Newcastle, Gateshead and the wider region, the impact it makes has not been recognised beyond acknowledgement and celebration. Music’s value as an economic and social driver has now made its case and is receiving the attention and backing that it deserves. By assembling a strong, experienced and multi disciplined music board for Newcastle Gateshead we will have even more effective leadership that will make a real difference to building an ecosystem with greater impact. I am honoured, excited and privileged to continue decades of commitment to the music sector in the region by accepting the role as Vice Chair of this new dynamic board and look forward to the achievements we will make together.”
Introducing the Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board
- Adam Behr, Head of Music at Newcastle University.
- Ambrose Field: Head of Design, Arts and Creative Industries, Northumbria University.
- Caroline James, General Manager of Utilita Arena Newcastle.
- Gabriel Day, Director, World Headquarters
- Imogen Williams, Songwriter and Artist.
- Keith Armstrong, Founder and Director of Soul Kitchen Music.
- Maia Beth, BBC Radio 1 presenter and DJ.
- Matty Aston, Head of Operations at Super Cat PR.
- Mick Patterson: Artist Manager.
- Paul Reed, Regional Organiser for the North of England at Musicians’ Union.
- Ross Lewis: Production Manager at The Cluny.
- Stephanie Haughton-Campbell, Chief Operating Officer at UK Music.
- Sue Collier: Artistic Director, Programmer, Producer & Tour Manager.
The Board is chaired by Michelle Escoffery, an Ivor Novello and BRIT Award-winning songwriter and creative executive, alongside Vice-Chair Jim Mawdsley, one of the most influential figures in the North East’s music industry, who has driven major events, festivals and investment that has shaped the region’s cultural identity for the past few decades.
