First for everyone
See the world differently – experience the very best art and culture from around the world that inspires, empowers and opens your mind.
An international gallery and creative community space, Firstsite is open all year round, for free, for everyone.
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Top picks
Exhibitions Coming Soon
Free
Antony Gormley: Field for the British Isles
16th November 2019 - 8th March 2020
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Experience this vast and iconic artwork at Firstsite, celebrating community, individuality and togetherness. Join us for the opening celebration of Field for the British Isles from 7-9pm on 15 Nov and be one of the first see this world…
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Free
Super Black
11th October 2019 - 12th January 2020
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
In the first of its brand-new series of Arts Council Collection National Partner exhibitions, Firstsite is staging Super Black – an exhibition that asks, ‘What does it mean to be black in England today?’. Led by people from Essex’s…
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Andrea Luka Zimmerman: Estate, A Reverie
16th November 2019
1:00 pm
As part of Firstsite’s Arts Council Collection National Partner Exhibition, Super Black – exploring what it means to be black in England today.Nominated for Best Documentary at the East End Film Festival 2015 and filmed over seven years, ‘Estate,…
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Art Class: Life Drawing and Painting (intermediate to advanced)
26th November - 10th December 2019
Multiple times available
Join artist Sally Delany to discover life drawing and painting. Working from a life model, you will study methods of how to represent the human form with both drawing and painting techniques – using pencil, charcoal and acrylics. This…
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Free
Chance & Control: Art in the Age of Computers – Created by the V&A – touring the nation.
26th October 2019 - 26th January 2020
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Since the 1960s, artists and programmers have used computers to create prints, drawings, paintings, photographs and digital artworks. ‘Chance and Control’ draws on the V&A’s rich international collection of computer-generated art and includes work by pioneering digital artists such…
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Tai Chi | Beginners
21st November 2019
Multiple times available
Please note Thursday 10th October has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Increase your flexibility, improve your balance and help lower your stress and anxiety, with relaxing sessions of Tai-Chi at Firstsite. This…
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Art Class: Christmas Wrapping Paper
30th November 2019
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Design and Decorate your very own Christmas wrapping paper! Join artist Amanda Blair for an all day workshop and learn skills in printmaking to design and decorate your very own roll of wrapping paper. Be inspired by seasonal foliage…
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Art Class: Clay Workshop for Adults
19th January 2020
Multiple times available
Come and play with clay at Firstsite! Led by local artist Iris Gunnarsdottir and inspired by our current exhibition Field for the British Isles by Antony Gormley, this course gives you the opportunity to work with clay in a…
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Art Class: Clay Workshop for 5 to 8 years old
Starts 23rd November 2019
Multiple times available
Come and play with clay at Firstsite! Working with clay in a relaxed environment, local artist Iris Gunnarsdottir will guide you in molding your very own figure inspired by our current exhibition, Antony Gormley: Field for the British Isles….
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Take a look at our shop
Featuring a range of design-led and affordable products, 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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Hire Firstsite
Firstsite’s stunning architecture and versatile spaces creates a fun and inspiring venue for any event – from private parties to conferences, community meetings and presentations. Plus, by hiring our spaces you can support the local community as any profits go straight back into funding our exhibitions and outreach projects.
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Latest news
Welcome to the new Firstsite website!
15th October 2019
We hope you enjoy this new colourful site designed to represent the fun and creativity which happens at Firstsite.
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