Music, mastery and inclusion

Kavli Trust is continuing its support for another three years to The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and their work for children and young people in North East England.

By: Hanne Eide Andersen

Kavli Trust has awarded three million NOK to the non-profit cultural institution in Gateshead.

The funds will support the continued operation of their Music for Social Impact programme, which uses music as a tool for social inclusion and personal development among children and young people.

The programme offers creative, inclusive music activities for more than 3,500 children and young people annually, with particular attention to vulnerable groups such as children in care, refugee children, and children with special needs.

The four main activities are:

• The Big Sing: Music events for more than 3,000 children each year, where they develop musical skills and experience community and achievement.
• Loud & Clear: Music activities for children in foster care, adoptive families, and refugee children, focusing on strengthening relationships, language development, and emotional connection.
• Pathways into the Music Industry: Workshops for young people in songwriting and music production, giving them skills and access to professional networks.
• Music Spark: Music education for children with special needs, strengthening social inclusion, independence, and self-confidence.

Giving children equal opportunities

“We are proud to continue our long-standing collaboration with The Glasshouse. Music for Social Impact is a well-run, high-quality programme led by an experienced and competent organisation with strong roots and a unique position in the region,” says Ingrid Paasche, Managing Director of Kavli Trust.

“Kavli Trust always looks for strong projects that promote social justice and give children equal opportunities for creative expression that leads to achievement, increased confidence, better mental health, and stronger social bonds,” she says.

Lowering financial barriers

She emphasises the importance of reducing financial barriers to participation in cultural activities and opportunities for creative expression.

“When more people can participate and meet in important cultural spaces, the programme also helps create stronger communities and more inclusive local societies. At the same time, children and young people experience achievement and belonging that can be life-changing. Kavli Trust looks forward to continuing the collaboration and being part of this important initiative,” says Paasche.

Giving back to the local community

For many years, Kavli Trust has supported work for children and young people in North East England, a region marked by high unemployment, child poverty, and other social challenges. The Glasshouse, formerly The Sage, was one of the foundation’s first local partners.

“North East England faces many major challenges, but also has many local non-profit organisations working dedicatedly to create positive change. Their efforts make a difference for many people, and we are proud to contribute to this work,” says Paasche.

She notes that Kavli Trust owns and distributes the entire surplus from the Kavli Group to charitable causes. In Gateshead, not far from The Glasshouse’s concert and rehearsal venue, is also Kavli UK’s Primula Cheese factory, producing spreadable cheese and other food products for the British market.

“The employees at Primula Cheese help create value for good causes every day. It is a great pleasure to be able to give the surplus back to their local community in this way,” says Paasche.

FACTS

Recipient: The Glasshouse
Amount awarded: Three million NOK
Project period: 2025–2027