News: Sage Gateshead – #sgchanges Campaign

Sage Gateshead has been a long-standing and iconic-looking presence on the banks of the Tyne and a name synonymous with high-quality concerts and music development. However, a new arena and convention centre is being built at Gateshead Quays and this will become ‘The Sage’, following support from Sage Group plc. So as it approaches its 20th anniversary, the venue, and largest cultural charity in the region, is changing its name.

Because of Sage Gateshead’s inclusive nature (and potentially because it likes the name Sagey McSageface), they’re asking audiences, artists, communities, and all those who feel a connection to the charity to help come up with a new name and visual identity, as well as share thoughts, memories, photos and ideas. 

Their #sgchanges campaign will run throughout the summer with stories shared at their website. The new name will be announced in the autumn – with a new visual identity to come in 2023. 

From today, there are three ways people can have their say in #sgchanges: 

• Visit sagegateshead.com/changes to share content on a Story Wall.
• Use the hashtag #sgchanges to add a video message or photo on social media.
• Make a visit to Sage Gateshead’s building where you can leave a message on a postcard.

Abigail Pogson, Managing Director at Sage Gateshead, adds, “As we approach our twentieth year, this is an opportunity for us to affirm who we are, how we want to be known, and what we look like. 

“We are one of the most active music charities in the UK, with musical memories made, friendships forged and careers born in our iconic Foster + Partners building and in activity across the region. We want to capture our first twenty years and look to the next twenty together. 

“We also want to make sure things are clear for audiences, artists, donors, trusts, foundations and other supporters as the new Sage Arena is built next door. Its addition to the quayside will make Gateshead Quays a unique destination in the UK. . 

“We hope that you will share your ideas with us over the coming weeks and contribute to the picture of what you value most about us and what our hopes for the future of live music here might be.”