Folkworks, alongside Northern Sinfonia, was a cornerstone in the establishment of The Sage Gateshead and much work is still carried on under this name providing opportunities to watch, listen and participate in traditional music, song and dance. In addition, Folkworks was the driving force behind England's first folk and traditional music degree course in partnership with the University of Newcastle; the course is largely housed at The Sage Gateshead.
History Folkworks was established in 1988 by Ros Rigby and Alistair Anderson as the folk music development agency for the North of England. Over the years, it built a national reputation through the quality and excitement of its educational work with people of all ages, and through presenting some of the world's best tradtional musicians in many concerts, tours and festival events - both regionally and nationally.
In 2002, Folkworks chose to give up its status as an independent organsation to become part of the new organisation, The Sage Gateshead. This decision was made with a realisation that as part of an integrated management, Folkworks would be best placed to continue and develop its pioneering work at the centre of the UK's new home for music and musical discovery.
Today and Tomorrow Folkworks events continue to include many that have been running successfully for a long time: annual Summer Schools for junior, youth and adult participants; Caedmon Folk (weekly music, song and dance classes); festivals including The Hexham Gathering and The Durham Gathering. There is an extensive programme of work in schools; part of The Sage Gateshead's vast Learning and Participation programme across the region. Our fantastic new building has given us the opportunity to present an incredible range of Folkworks events in both Hall One and Hall Two. Since opening, visiting artists included bellowhead, Blazin' Fiddles, Eliza Carthy, Barbara Dickson, Bob Fox, Vin Garbutt, Karine Polwart, Maddy Prior, Kate Rusby, Richard Thompson, Varttina and many more.
One especially exciting prospect is Folkworks weekend festivals, using many of the spaces in The Sage Gateshead and creating a unique combination of participation, learning and worldclass performance.
Folkworks Communities & online information
ExploreMusic, our resident music information and library service run by Gateshead Council, provides a range of folk information online as well as an online community. This includes forums, galleries, sound files, features on tutors and blogs for those who attend Folkworks activities.
ExploreMusic also manages FARNE (Folk Archive Resources North East); a rich archive of manuscripts, song lyrics, recordings and photographs bringing to life the amazing musical tradition of North East England. Together, these areas are fast becoming the hub of all of the latest online folk information and news with What's On listings for the region thrown into the mix. Visit ExploreMusic and click on 'Folkworks Communities'.
