Welcome to Firstsite!
See the world differently – experience the very best art and culture from around the world that inspires, empowers and opens your mind.
Enjoy our exhibitions, workshops, films and events. Relax in our colourful cafe with outdoor seating and find quirky products in our shop.
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Top picks
Exhibitions
Free
Elsa James: It Should Not Be Forgotten
29 March - 06 July 2025
Join Essex artist Elsa James in examining the heart of Britain’s colonial past and its lasting impact on Black life today.
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Free
University Centre Colchester (UCC): Legacy
08 March - 15 June 2025
In partnership with Colchester Institute, we’re proud to present the UCC: Legacy exhibition, featuring an exciting selection of multimedia works by second and third-year students from University Centre Colchester (UCC).
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Drag Life Drawing with Sirena Hart
05 July 2025 - 07 February 2026
Multiple times available
A one-of-a-kind life drawing class, where your tutor and model will offer multiple poses in fantastical settings.
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Introduction to Collage
12 September 2025
Multiple times available
Sociable, creative and fun Introduction to Collage Workshop where you’ll learn new techniques, unwind and have a delicious lunch together.
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Folk & Bespoke Artisan Craft Market
07 June 2025 - 07 December 2024
Multiple times available
Have a handmade shopping day. The people in your life deserves something special and for a totally unique gift, you cannot beat handmade.
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The Firstsite Art Fair
02 August - 10 May 2025
Multiple times available
The Firstsite Art Fair brings together a diverse range of artists, collectors, art lovers and all who are simply curios about art.
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Free
Acorn Village: 50 Years
26 April - 07 September 2025
Discover the inspiring 50-year journey of Acorn Village, told through a rich collection of artworks created by artists with learning disabilities.
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Firstsite Fabulous Fridays
27 June - 11 July 2025
Multiple times available
Immerse yourself in a world of unlimited creativity at our monthly Fabulous Fridays with unique workshops, art, tasty treats and great films!
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Origami Workshop
11 July 2025
Multiple times available
In our Origami Workshop, Lu Yu will guide you step by step through the creation of specific origami shapes in this ancient art form!
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André Rieu’s 2025 Maastricht Concert: Waltz the Night Away!
30 - 31 August 2025
Multiple times available
Step into a night of music, romance, and celebration this summer from the stunning Vrijthof Square with André Rieu’s Waltz the Night Away!
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EcoArt Collage and Craft
27 June 2025
Multiple times available
Join us for our EcoArt Collage and Craft workshop where creativity meets sustainability In this unique group experience!
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Boozy Brushes – Paint in Pairs
27 June 2025
Multiple times available
Join Sirena Hart at Firstsite for Boozy Brushes a multi-art, Drag entertainment painting class extravaganza where you can paint in pairs!
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Getting Started with Drawing
15 June - 13 July 2025
Multiple times available
Join us in Getting Started with Drawing, a relaxed drawing workshop, to explore different drawing techniques and materials.
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National Theatre Live: A Streetcar Named Desire
06 - 08 June 2025
Multiple times available
Gillian Anderson, Vanessa Kirby, and Ben Foster lead the cast in Tennessee Williams’ timeless masterpiece, A Streetcar Named Desire
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Portfolio Surgery – Afternoon Sessions
02 August 2025
Multiple times available
Book a one-on-one session at our free Artist Portfolio Surgery, where an industry expert will provide professional guidance.
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Watercolour and Wine
20 June - 10 October 2025
Multiple times available
Celebrate watercolour with an evening of creativity, relaxation and wine at our Watercolour and Wine Workshop!
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Become a Mosaic Member today!
Enjoy a unlimited free access to our films and a whole host of special offers and generous discounts with a Firstsite Mosaic Membership.
As a treat for yourself – or a gift for someone else – being a Firstsite Mosaic Members provides a year of fantastic benefits, and helps to support art and creativity in East Anglia.
Join today
Explore our online shop
Featuring a range of design-led products and books inspired by our exhibition programme, events and community, our shop has something for everyone. All profits from your purchase raises funds to help us keep our exhibitions free and supports our community outreach activities.
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Latest news
Firstsite Collectors’ Group Bursary Awards invest in eight more exciting talents from our region
19 March 2025
Recognising and supporting some of East Anglia’s most creative people, the Firstsite Collectors’ Group Bursary Awards will again provide financial support to eight outstanding artistic projects.
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