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Sage Sessions FAQs

How does the selection process work?

Applications will be checked for eligibility, and then artists who meet the brief will be reviewed by members of our programming team using the description and music provided. We are looking for artists who make high quality music with the potential to deliver a stripped-back set. As each event features several artists and may be themed around a certain genre or concept, we will also consider which artists are a good fit with the rest of the event. For this reason, we can’t guarantee how many slots are available through the open call, or give a specific date when you will hear if you have been selected.

Details of all eligible artists will kept on file so you may be approached for other performance opportunities too.

How many people apply and how many will you choose?

It is the first time there has been an open call for this series, so we don’t know how many applications there will be. We expect there will be at least 6 Sage Sessions events over the next 12 months and each event will feature between 1 and 3 artists from this open call, so we will be looking for around 10 artists initially but it is likely there will be additional opportunities in future for artists who are shortlisted.

I’ve never been to Sage Gateshead, what is it like?

You’ll receive a warm welcome from all the team when you first arrive, and we’ll look after you during your performance to make sure you have all the support you need. There is level access everywhere backstage and in the public areas. Sage Gateshead has achieved a Gold award in Attitude is Everything’s Charter of Best Practice for disabled access in music venues. You can have a look inside the building’s main concourse using Google Maps here. There’s a café on the concourse which has a great view across Newcastle and the River Tyne.

Plenty of parking is available as well as a backstage load-in area for artists. There are bus and metro routes nearby. (Please note that the metro is wheelchair accessible but unfortunately mobility scooters are not permitted.)

What impact will Coronavirus have on this programme?

Sage Gateshead is currently closed but our work continues online through live streamed events and artist development programmes. We are planning for virtual versions of the event as well as it taking place within the venue. Social distancing rules and government guidance will be adhered to for any performances taking place in the venue.

If you are shielding or live with someone who is vulnerable, please still apply – we will do everything we can to accommodate remote performances in whatever format is necessary.

I’ve never done live streaming before, what if I get asked to perform in a virtual event?

If you are invited to perform in a live-streamed Sage Sessions event, we will provide technical advice to help you get the best audio and video quality and we will loan you any necessary equipment that you don’t already have. We will also be able to accept pre-recorded performance videos if your internet isn’t fast enough for streaming. Artist fees will still be paid for live-streamed performances.