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Title Performance Programme Director

Organisation The Sage Gateshead

How long in post? 13 years as Co-Director of Folkworks; 2 years for the Sage Gateshead

t: 0191 443 4570 e: ros.rigby@musicnorth.org

What does your organisation do?
Promotes a range of educational projects and performances across classical, folk, world, jazz, dance music and other genres.

What does your job involve?
Programming the non-classical music pre- and post-opening programme for The Sage Gateshead, which is due for completion in 2004. I also oversee the work of Folkworks, which was one of the two founder musical organisations of the Sage Gateshead, alongside Northern Sinfonia.

Who did you used to work for?
? From 1988 I was one of two founding Co-Directors of the folk development agency Folkworks, with musician and composer Alistair Anderson.
? From 1984-88 I was one of the North of England?s first Arts Development Officers, working for Gateshead Council.
? From 1976-80 I was a Community Development Officer in Peterlee New Town where I started Peterlee Youth Drama Workshop.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
The range of music and musicians I work with, and the thrill of being part of a unique new music project based where I live.

What do you find most difficult in your role?
Knowing when to say no!

What is your career ambition?
To make a success of my present post ? by far the most challenging of my career to date.

Who has most influenced your career to date the most and why?
My father, who taught me not to be afraid of asking difficult questions; and Alistair Anderson who has taught me a lot about structure and flow in event planning.

If you could have done any job, what would it be?
My current job is great, but in another life maybe an airline pilot!

What are your wishes for the future of the arts?
? Much more media coverage of the arts internationally, nationally and regionally
? Much more emphasis on the arts in education
? Funding available for experimentation and risk-taking