Arts & Culture
Newbury Corn Exchange to lose £78,000 worth of funding after council decision - fundraising campaign launched

West Berkshire Council have taken the decision to cut £78,000 of support from the Corn Exchange in Newbury and nearby New Greenham Arts over the next two years.

That means over the last 3 years, funding from the local authority will have reduced by 55%, and both of these important local venues urgently need your support to raise £25,000 to cover the gap.

Today (Friday May 5) Newbury Corn Exchange have launched the Love Your Corn Exchange campaign and are asking you to make a donation of £10* to support their plight.

In a statement, the Corn Exchange have said: “Whilst we are hugely fortunate to have strong support from our audiences, stakeholders and funding partners, our grant from the Council specifically funds activities at the Corn Exchange.

“Funding for the projects we announced earlier this year comes from other grant giving organisations and is entirely ring-fenced for our new Learning Centre and the expansion of 101. So the reduction in funding from the Council, will directly impact events at the Corn Exchange and the very short timeframe creates immediate challenges for us.”

To make a donation you can:

  • Phone the Box Office on 0845 5218 218**
  • Give online at www.cornexchangenew.com/donate
  • Text CORN15 £10 to 70070 or
  • Send a cheque made payable to Corn Exchange (Trust) to Love Your Corn Exchange, Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD

Last year, the appeal raised in excess of £12,000 and every pound you donate this year will be matched by Arts Council England, meaning your £10 will be worth £20 (or £22.50 if your donation is eligible for Gift Aid).

Your donation is a vital lifeline and will help to sustain the Corn Exchange and the range of activities and services they deliver for the community of West Berkshire.

We implore you to help today and by working together you will be helping the Corn Exchange to continue making a positive impact in your community.