We're changing our name
The time is right for Sage Gateshead to choose a new name.
Here are some reasons why:
- There’s a new arena and conference centre being built between us and the Baltic Art Gallery, and it will be called ‘The Sage’. This development has been made possible in part by investment from Sage Group.
- It’s not in anyone’s interest for Sage Gateshead to be confused with our new neighbour. We are a charity with a distinct vision for music and music making here in the North East.
- Everyone from our loyal audiences, to the emergency services, taxi and delivery drivers, and tourists will benefit from the clarity provided by our new name.
- A new name will express more clearly the range of things we offer music lovers and music makers here in our building, and beyond.
- The incredible bond people have with our charity and our building will inspire our new name and visual identity.
- Changing our name does not change who we are, where we are, or what we’re committed to providing for people like you.
You can find answers to frequently asked questions on this page – or you can email us with questions at namechange@sagegateshead.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening at Gateshead Quays?
A new arena and convention centre is being built next door to Sage Gateshead. This new commercial development will operate as part of an international network of large-scale venues that includes stadiums and arenas.
This change will complete the Quayside and create a unique destination in the UK, made up of cultural venues, entertainment, business, and education.
Sage Gateshead and BALTIC have been on this quayside since the early 2000s, and this development will help further develop the area as an international destination.
How did Sage Gateshead choose its name in the first place?
In 2004 we were founded with support from Sage plc, a global software company with a vision to support arts and culture in the region. They were the naming partner for our building.
Why are you changing your name?
Sage plc are now investing in the new arena and convention centre set to become our neighbour. This centre is going to be called The Sage.
We welcome this renewed investment in the region, helping to complete Gateshead Quays.
We are an independent charity rooted in the North East, and our name and brand should reflect this. Every ticket, donation, or event booking goes back into supporting world-class music in our region. That could mean music classes for young people, visiting international orchestras, or supporting local bands.
It’s not in anyone’s interest for us to become confused with the arena and convention centre set to be our neighbour.
We have taken this opportunity to work with our communities in creating a new name and identity for our organisation as we approach our 20th anniversary. We look forward to a bright future as part of a busier, more complete Gateshead Quays.
Can people share their ideas?
Active participation from our audiences and members of the public has been a crucial part in our process of choosing a new name for Sage Gateshead. We heard from hundreds of people, both in the building and through our digital channels to learn their thoughts on what kind of name would best represent what Sage Gateshead means to people. As we move towards a decision, everything you’ve said is informing what our new brand will look and feel like.
You can email name suggestions to namechange@sagegateshead.com. We’ll announce our decision in 2023.
When will a new name be announced?
We hope to announce our new name and visual identity in 2023.
If I have another question who do I ask?
If you have another question relating to our name change, please email namechange@sagegateshead.com
What is Sage Gateshead?
We are an international music centre dedicated to making and supporting brilliant music in the North East. Our world-class acoustics and facilities are housed in one of the North’s most iconic landmarks. We were created in 2004 as part of a major investment in culture.
We celebrate music of all types, for all ages – from classical concerts to bands and gigs, from music for children and young people to community choirs. We are a home for music learning. We work in our building, throughout the North East and around the world.
We’re also proud to be the home of Royal Northern Sinfonia, a chamber orchestra known for quality, innovation, and collaboration.
As a charity for music we support audiences, musicians, and music makers at all stages of their journey.
Where is Sage Gateshead?
We are on Gateshead Quays, between BALTIC and the iconic Tyne Bridge. Our building was designed by award-winning architects Foster + Partners.
Did you know?
Each year we…
- stage more than 400 performances across all genres – from orchestral music to jazz, from electronica to folk
- provide music learning for 200,000 people across 10,000 events
- reach an audience of 500,000, and many more than that online
- welcome 2 million visitors to our building
- directly support over 300 artists, with a focus on addressing socioeconomic inequality
- welcome artists to the North East from around the world
- are home to one of the world’s finest chamber orchestras
Over the last 20 years we’ve generated over £500 million for the local economy, and we have been one of the borough’s biggest employers.