GENerate returns to The Base
Marvel at the next GENeration of artistic talent at The Base, Greenham!
The Base, Greenham is delighted to present their annual GENerate: Student Art Exhibition (Fri 10 – Sun 26 Jan), a celebration of the imagination and creativity of young local artists from across West Berkshire, North Hampshire and South Oxfordshire. This vibrant exhibition, curated by the exhibitions team at The Base, showcases an inspiring collection of artworks from 111 students exhibiting individual pieces of art, as well as 6 pieces of collaborative art involving groups of students.
The Base is a purpose-built visual arts centre positioned just south of Newbury on Greenham Business Park which presents a varied programme of high-quality touring exhibitions from renowned galleries and museums, as well as exhibiting work from a range of talented local artists. GENerate: Student Art Exhibition is designed to give young local artists the opportunity to exhibit their work in the same environment as professional artists, giving them a first-hand experience of having their work in the spotlight.
Each year we are bowled over by the standard of work submitted to GENerate, and as more education settings get involved, it makes our job of curating this exhibition even harder - and this year is certainly no different! At a time when art studies are under threat of decline, we’re absolutely thrilled to see the range of mediums that these young people are working on in our local schools and colleges, and how they are flourishing as a result. We hope that having their work displayed in a professional gallery setting gives these young people the confidence to continue their art practice into their adult lives.
Stephanie Johnson Gallery Manager, The Base Greenham
Images from GENerate 2024.
The exhibition brings together contributions from an incredible range of schools and colleges, this year seeing more involved than ever before. Since the first GENerate exhibition opened in 2023, The Base, Greenham have seen a staggering increase of 166% in the number of institutions involved. Institutions from the West Berkshire area involved in the 2025 exhibition include Brockhurst and Marlston House Schools, Downe House School, Elstree School, iCollege Alternative Education, Kennet School, Mary Hare School, Prior’s Court, St Bartholomew’s School, St Gabriel’s School, The Castle School, Trinity School and University Centre Newbury. They are joined by North Hampshire institutions Basingstoke College of Technology and Cheam School. As well as Didcot Girls School from South Oxfordshire.
From paintings to stoneware sculptures, photography to mixed media, GENerate highlights the innovative ideas and artistic voices shaping the next generation. Each piece is a testament to the creativity and talent thriving in our local areas, offering visitors a unique opportunity to see the world through the eyes of these creative minds.
This year, The Base received funding from Greenham Trust’s Peter Baker Grants Committee, which will contribute to the running of this student exhibition. These funds will help support the project – from the planning stage to the exhibition itself - aiding The Base in its championing of local young people and the benefits of getting involved with the visual arts.
Whether you are an art enthusiast, a supporter of local education, or simply looking for inspiration, GENerate promises an engaging and uplifting experience for all ages.
GENerate: Student Art Exhibition 2025 will be at The Base, Greenham from Friday 10 January to Sunday 26 January 2025 (open Tue – Sun, 10am – 5pm). Entry to the exhibition is free (suggested donation on the door to be made to The Base Greenham, charity no 1199188). For more information, please visit thebasegreenham.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01635 522733.