The Glasshouse - Music for Social Impact

Music for Social Impact uses music to address social challenges in North East England.

About the project

North East England is a region facing significant social challenges, including high unemployment and child poverty. For many children and young people, financial circumstances and life situation can make it harder to take part in cultural activities and access the same opportunities as their peers. Music for Social Impact aims to give more children and young people the opportunity to experience music, explore their interests and be part of a community.

Music for Social Impact is a three-year programme (2025–2027) run by The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead. Through a wide range of music activities, more than 3,500 children and young people take part each year, gaining new skills and opportunities to connect with others through music. The programme is particularly aimed at children and young people who face additional barriers to participation, including children in care, refugee children and children with additional needs.

The programme consists of four main initiatives. Big Sing and Big Sing for Mini Singers give more than 3,000 children the opportunity to take part in music activities each year. Loud & Clear uses music to strengthen relationships, support language development and build emotional connections among children in foster care, adoptive families and refugee families. Through Pathways into the Music Industry, young people gain experience in songwriting and music production, as well as access to professional networks. Music Spark aims to promote social inclusion, independence and self-confidence among children with additional needs.

What will funding from Kavli Trust support?

Kavli Trust has awarded NOK 3 million to support Music for Social Impact during the period 2025–2027. The funding will help give more children and young people the opportunity to take part in inclusive music activities, including those who may otherwise have limited access to such opportunities.

About The Glasshouse

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music is a non-profit cultural organisation in Gateshead, North East England. It offers concerts, music education and participatory cultural activities, using music as a tool for social inclusion and personal development.

Kavli Trust has supported The Glasshouse’s work to provide inclusive cultural opportunities for children and young people in the Newcastle and Gateshead area for many years.