About Folkworks

Programme

The Sage Gateshead’s Folkworks programme aims to develop interest and practical involvement in traditional music, song and dance. This is achieved through various activities, including unique performances, one-day workouts, weekly classes, weekend courses and three week-long Summer Schools, for all ages.

Folkworks Artistic Director

Kathryn Tickell, world-renowned Northumbrian piper, was appointed Artistic Director of Folkworks taking over the baton from Alistair Anderson in September 2009. In this role, Kathryn is responsible for providing artistic leadership, advice and inspiration for the folk music programme within The Sage Gateshead, and for other Folkworks projects taking place regionally, nationally and internationally, including the annual programme of Summer Schools, and The Sage Gateshead’s high energy youth folk ensemble, Folkestra.

History

Folkworks was established in 1988 by Ros Rigby OBE and Alistair Anderson, and quickly became England’s leading folk music development agency. Folkworks was a lead partner in the development of The Sage Gateshead and is now fully integrated into its management structure.

Folkworks’ early achievement in establishing Folk and Traditional music centre-stage in the concert halls of the world alongside classical, rock and world music, often bringing together musicians from different, complementary backgrounds, grew from a programme that included the promotion of regional and national tours, international collaborations, festivals, training for teachers and schools, and establishing a youth summer school which has inspired thousands of young musicians, some of whom, such as Nancy Kerr, Robert Harbron, Rachel and Becky Unthank and others, have gone on to make professional careers in music.