North East music partnership hits right note

A university is set to boost campus life with live local music.

Northumbria University has teamed up with its catering partner Chartwells and regional talent agency Nrthrn Baby to bring emerging artists to campus events. 

The partnership will offer a diverse line-up of musicians performing across on-campus locations throughout the academic year, creating new opportunities for regional artists while enhancing student experiences.

David Jackson, director of campus experience at Northumbria University, which already collaborates with a host of cultural organisations in the region, including North East Museums, Live Theatre, New Writing North and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, said: “We’re always looking for ways to elevate the experience that the university offers its students, and to foster a sense of community. 

“This partnership not only helps us to do that on campus but also strengthens our ties with the local creative scene – something we’re proud to be able to support.”

Jessica McCabe, contract director for Chartwells at the university, added: “Student experience is at the heart of everything that we do. 

“We want to create memorable social spaces and events, and music is the obvious choice for us to elevate what we offer. 

“The region has such a strong cultural and creative scene. 

“We wanted to tap into that yet also support it.”

Nrthrn Baby, founded in 2020 and based between Tees Valley and Newcastle, was created to support local talent, especially from underrepresented backgrounds and genres. 

The agency has worked with major names such as Atlantic Records and the MOBOs.

Nicola Coaker, founder of Nrthrn Baby, added: “Working with partners like Chartwells and Northumbria University is so important to us. 

“It’s about building real foundations for young people in the North East to thrive creatively, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds and genres. 

“When local institutions back local talent, it creates a pipeline that can genuinely shift the culture and open doors that didn’t exist before.”

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