About us

The Corn Exchange Trust manages four key spaces; the Corn Exchange which includes a 400 seat auditorium, a 40 seat independent cinema and a Cafe and Bar; 101 Outdoor Arts: National Centre for Arts in Public Space – a unique outdoor arts creation centre for the development of large-scale outdoor performances, making and rehearsal space and on-site accommodation; our centrally located Learning Centre in which workshops and courses for all ages take place; and The Base Greenham, a visual arts gallery and workshop space on Greenham Business Park which is also home to 8 resident artists.

The performance programme at the Corn Exchange has developed considerably in recent years. We present a mixed programme of theatre, dance, comedy, music, family, film and outdoor work to audiences from across the South East. The emphasis is on presenting shows of the highest quality and films that inspire and entertain audiences, with attendance growing year on year. The Trust produces its own pantomime in-house, as well as supporting a range of artists and companies across all art-forms through commissioning and development opportunities, mentoring and production support. Our emphasis is on presenting great shows and films that audiences really want to come and see and that reflect the rich diversity of our country today. Always high quality, we’re really proud that our attendance figures are growing year on year.

Since 2009 the organisation has led a major outdoor arts programme, presenting internationally renowned companies and producing spectacular large-scale outdoor performances to audiences of thousands. 2014 saw the launch of the Trust’s newest venture, 101 Outdoor Arts: a creation centre dedicated to the production of outdoor arts to develop the facilities, opportunities and resources available in the region to support the create exceptional outdoor performance. From April 2017 this work was expanded as a result of Ambition for Excellence funding from Arts Council England and further funding from Greenham Trust enabled the expansion of 101 and the creation of a new talent development and innovation programme. As 101 celebrates its 10^th anniversary, the programme has gone from strength to strength, welcoming outdoor artists from across the UK and internationally, and supporting the industry through training and development programmes.

The launch of a dedicated town centre Learning Centre has seen the continuation and subsequent expansion of the Trust’s flourishing participation programme. Working across all age groups, there is a particular focus on working with schools and young people as well as Ageing Creatively, a programme of work specifically aimed at those aged 55+. We are very proud that our work also takes place outside of the walls of the main buildings, with sessions happening across West Berkshire, in schools, care settings, family hubs, community centres and libraries, to name just a few. We regularly collaborate with local partners to support the health and wellbeing of our local community through the arts, including social prescribers and family support workers.

In 2019 The Base Greenham opened on Greenham Business Park and houses a 110 sq m gallery which presents a broad range of touring exhibitions, a busy courses and workshop programme, and provides studio space for eight resident artists. Corn Exchange Newbury manages The Base on behalf of Greenham Trust.

MISSION AND OBJECTIVES

We are a flagship arts centre for the South East, and so much more than just a theatre. Core funded by key partners to deliver outstanding performances, and creating our own well-respected work, we are at the heart of a creative and cultural community, leading a vision for a vibrant district with more and more people involved in all of our activities. With some of the best facilities and staff in the country we are committed to involving everyone in what we do.

CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE

Enable excellence at every opportunity

• Our role as artistic leader is to provide examples of what is excellent and to encourage and enable this work to thrive in Newbury
• We must continue to play a key role in providing inspiration for both artists and audiences

CREATIVE COMMUNITIES

Provide access points and encourage involvement from our entire community

• Deliver a programme of artistic opportunities in more places, incorporating more artforms and engaging with more people
• Develop and provide more quality opportunities for local people to participate in cultural activities within their own community

CUSTODIAN

Safeguard our long-term sustainability

• Ensure that the organisation and its buildings are valued by the people of Newbury
• Maximise income generated from our five income streams at every opportunity in order to ensure we can deliver on our vision
• Invest in our staff and infrastructure to ensure continued success and growth