Our Terms & Conditions | Our Privacy Policy
Michelle Escoffery has been named as chair of Newcastle Gateshead Music City, a collaborative operation between development agency Generator and The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead.
Michelle Escoffery is an award-winning songwriter and industry leader, who previously served as PRS For Music Members’ Council president. She is chair of the board of trustees at the Ivors Academy Trust.
Music City’s aim is to help further develop the region’s music sector, open opportunities for emerging artists and music professionals, and position Newcastle Gateshead as a nationally and internationally recognised hub for music.
Escoffery will be joined by Jim Mawdsley as vice-chair. In the last 40 years, he has become an influential figure in the North East’s music industry, driving major events, festivals and investments. He was previously chair of the Association of Independent Festivals.
They will oversee a board of nine additional members from the music industry, which represent local grassroots creatives through to internationally recognised industry leaders.
When initially announced earlier in the year, Newcastle Gateshead Music City won backing from North Shields’ Sam Fender.
The board’s first priority is to oversee delivery of a research project mapping the North East’s music sector. Early findings indicate there’s a thriving grassroots scene but with critical gaps in infrastructure such as mid-sized venues, rehearsal spaces and music business services. There’s also a lack of career pathways in the region.
Mick Ross, CEO of Generator, said: “Talent is everywhere, and opportunity must be too. Generator has spent over 30 years breaking barriers, building careers and connecting Northern talent to national and global opportunities. We’re incredibly proud to lead this initiative alongside The Glasshouse – a world-class venue and cultural leader – to ensure the North doesn’t follow, it leads. This board unites the very best of local insight and international experience to deliver real, lasting change for music in the North East.”
Music is a global language, and the North East has a powerful voice that deserves to be heard on the world stage
Michelle Escoffery
Michelle Escoffery, chair of the Newcastle Gateshead Music City board, said: “Music is a global language, and the North East has a powerful voice that deserves to be heard on the world stage. The North East’s musical talent is undeniable. By investing in the right infrastructure and creating real opportunities for growth and development, we can build a music ecosystem that not only nurtures local talent, but positions this region as a leader in shaping the future of music.”
Jim Mawdsley, principal advisor for events and culture at Newcastle City Council and vice-chair of the Newcastle Gateshead Music City board, said: “Newcastle Gateshead has been a hotbed for talent for a number of years with many artists either currently rising to or sitting at the top. We have proved that we can host world-class music moments – from the MOBO Awards in February to the Mercury Prize later this year, our ambition has never been stronger.
“We have been slowly building our reputation for the last two decades and now is the time to accelerate that momentum: attracting the biggest global events, building on our recent major label and global partnerships and building further infrastructure that will make sure every artist across every genre from our region has the chance to succeed and build a career. We’re determined to show that the North East is not just part of the UK music map, it’s leading it.”
Wendy Smith, creative director at The Glasshouse, said: “Newcastle Gateshead Music City is about turning ambition into action. The new board brings together people with the knowledge and influence to make change happen and to make sure music can thrive here from the grassroots up.
“We know there are challenges but we also know the huge potential. Music already means so much to people in the North East. With the right backing it can create more jobs, more skills and more chances for local musicians and music professionals to stay and succeed here.”
The full Newcastle Gateshead Music City research report will be published later in 2025, alongside a strategy and action plan setting out how the region will address the challenges and seize the opportunities identified.
The board will lead on implementation, including boosting infrastructure and investment, as well as creating new talent pathways and growing audiences.
For more stories like this, and to keep up to date with all our market leading news, features and analysis, sign up to receive our daily Morning Briefing newsletter
Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.
Aggregated From –
Comments are closed.