Get Into Music Industries: Sell-out event in North Shields Cultural Quarter
More than 25 people rocked up to a free event in North Shields Cultural Quarter to find out more about a career in the music industries.
Held at the Exchange 1856 on Wednesday 22 May, the ticketed event sold out more than a week in advance.
It brought together experts to help people find routes into music and gain the skills needed to build a career in the industry.
North Shields Cultural Quarter is part of North Tyneside Council’s ambitious plans for North Shields, enhancing and growing the creative economy. It is supported by the new North East Combined Authority.
The event highlighted opportunities in areas such as promoting, performing, songwriting, composing, stage management, live music, music education, music production, artist management, marketing and music journalism.
The session was hosted by North Shields Cultural Quarter in partnership with Working Well, Bernii Mac’s Becoming the Artist, Generator and Susan French Events.
Susan French runs Susan French Events and Crew Gal, a training company and working tech crew from North Shields. She said: “The music industry is thriving in North Shields and the North East, there is no reason that with the right support, training and connections people can't build a sustainable career in music and the creative industries.
“We are extremely proud of having our base in North Shields, and being surrounded by like-minded creatives can only mean our community will continue to thrive.
“Moving away to larger cities is no longer necessary to build a career in music, we have some incredible tour managers, production managers, sound engineers and lighting designers on our doorstep working locally and internationally alongside incredible artists.
“There's never been a more exciting time to take those first steps in live music production.”
Bernii Mac, founder of Becoming The Artist, a North Shields-based vocal coaching and mentoring agency, said: "I couldn’t be happier to be a part of this Get Into Music event.
“It’s a wonderful resource and opportunity for the community to learn about the music industry and give them valuable information on how to get involved.”
Councillor Carl Johnson, Deputy Mayor for North Tyneside and cabinet member responsible for Regeneration, Economic Development and Culture said: “This is the latest in a series of exciting events in North Shields Cultural Quarter, designed to help the creative economy of North Shields grow.
“Previous events have included a Get Into TV and Film event, creative writing courses, a Mental Health in Music event, Hooley Theatre staging six new short plays, a night celebrating subcultures, contemporary dance performances and a visit from one of the UK’s biggest songwriters.
“The fact that this event was sold out shows there is a big demand for creative careers in North Tyneside, at a time when the creative community is flourishing.
“It’s great to see North Shields Cultural Quarter and Working Well coming together to help people achieve their dream career.”
North Shields Cultural Quarter:
· Helps the cultural and creative economy in the town to grow and gives it a sustainable future
· Works with local artists and creative businesses to fund a programme of projects and events
· Provides training and skills development
· Offers bursary funding
· Helps strengthen and support the creative community
· Explores how culture and creativity can help drive place-based regeneration
· Is closely tied to our Ambition for North Shields and our High Street Heritage Action Zone
· Is one of three Cultural and Creative Zones funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority, the other two in Newcastle and Berwick
· At its centre are the newly-restored Exchange Theatre, Globe Gallery and North Tyneside Business Centre, the new home of Helix Arts.
This project is part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It was previously funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority and is now supported by the new North East Combined Authority.
North Shields Cultural Quarter is part of the North of Tyne Culture and Creative Zone programme. More details can be found here.
