Sage Gateshead has today announced big names from the world of arts, business, education and sport who are supporting its 10th Birthday Appeal. The Appeal is to raise a new endowment for the music centre, which is a registered charity, to coincide with its 10th birthday in December next year.
The Patrons include David Miliband, film producer Lord Puttnam and world record-breaking athlete Jonathan Edwards. From the world of business Sir Peter Vardy, Gary Lydiate, Louise Halbert and John Squires, and architect of Sage Gateshead Lord Foster. They join musicians Mark Knopfler, conductor Lorin Maazel andKathryn Tickell.
The Appeal is to raise £4 million in order to capitalise on the Arts Council’s 50 per cent match funding scheme, which will make every pound raised worth an additional 50p, generating an additional £2 million.
The money will help Sage Gateshead continue to bring the best international musicians to the North East as well as support new and emerging artists, build its international music education links and extend its urban arts training programme by bringing urban performers from across the world to Gateshead.
Lord Falconer, Chairman of Sage Gateshead, said: “We have until just after our 10th birthday to raise £4 million and so we are thrilled to have such a fantastic group of Patrons to support us in this ambitious mission.
“We have such broad support from not only the musical world, but politics, sport, and business and I am thrilled that each in their own individual way has agreed to help us.
“The endowment will be invested and provide and income every year which will enable us to build our international, artistic programme and ensure a continuing legacy for future generations to enjoy.”
David Miliband said: “The work of Sage Gateshead is very close to my heart. I led the work on the Music Manifesto when I was Education Minister, and Sage Gateshead has always been at the forefront of music education work making a major impact locally, nationally and now with a growing international reach and reputation. And of course the stunning building, one of the most welcoming performance venues in the world, has brought both prestige and many great artists to the North East."
Jonathan Edwards said: “It has been amazing to witness the proud cultural regeneration of Tyneside over the last decade, and Sage Gateshead has been an inspirational part of this. It is an organisation that is enriching so many people’s lives in the region and it is something I feel really strongly that we need to sustain for the future. This appeal will help to do that, and I hope many people will support us.”
Architect Lord Foster said: “We are very proud of Sage Gateshead – and it is gratifying to see how the people of the North East have come to embrace it with such affection. Its auditoria and public spaces have supported a diverse international programme of the highest quality, and it is wonderful to see these performances and events bring joy to so many people. It was always our intention that the project should not only contribute to the urban regeneration of Gateshead, but would also provide an ‘urban room’ for the whole community to enjoy and an important centre for education. Looking to the future, we believe that Sage Gateshead will continue to thrive and bring international cultural events to the area, as well as encouraging new talent – the opportunity to create a new endowment, with support matched by the Arts Council, is very welcome indeed.”
Anthony Sargent, General Director of Sage Gateshead, said: “We are deeply grateful to this extraordinary group of people for their support. They each bring advice and connections in so many different ways. Raising £4m in any climate is a challenge, but with their help, and the persuasive power of the 50 per cent match funding available over the next two years we have a really great opportunity.
“We have already raised £1.5 million and the total will be invested in a new endowment, becoming a permanent support for the work we do.
“There are lots of ways in which the public can support us. They can name a seat in one of our world-class concert halls, give a one off or regular monthly gift or organise a fundraising activity. Gifts of all amounts are very welcome and we can potentially turn every £1 donated into £1.75!”
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