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
01 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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National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove
01 June 2025
Multiple times available
Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Dr. Strangelove.
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MET Opera Live: Il Barbiere di Siviglia
31 May 2025
5:45 pm
MET Opera Live 2024–25 season comes to a close with MET Opera Live: Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Rossini’s effervescent comedy.
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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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Exhibition on Screen: Michelangelo: Love and Death
21 - 24 May 2025
Multiple times available
Michelangelo’s spectacular works seem so familiar, but do we really know this renaissance genius? This is Michelangelo: Love and Death.
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Firstsite Fabulous Fridays
16 May 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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The Royal Ballet: Ballet to Broadway: Wheeldon Works
25 May 2025
2:00 pm
The Royal Ballet: Ballet to Broadway: Wheeldon Works showcases the remarkable choreographic range of Christopher Wheeldon.
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Origami Workshop
16 May 2025
7:00 pm
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
16 May - 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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A Minecraft Movie
23 - 29 May 2025
Multiple times available
Four misfits — Garrett “The Garbage Man”, Henry, Natalie and Dawn —find themselves struggling with ordinary problems in A Minecraft Movie.
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Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story
23 - 29 May 2025
Multiple times available
Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story recounts her controversial life, novels, love affairs, and stardom through personal journals.
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Escape From Extinction: Rewilding
23 - 24 May 2025
Multiple times available
Can the world be saved? Narrated by Meryl Streep, follow experts as they seek to Escape from Extinction: Rewilding.
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Four Mothers
16 - 17 May 2025
Multiple times available
Four Mothers. That’s who a struggling novelist who is forced to take care of over the course of one chaotic weekend in Dublin.
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Getting Started with Drawing
25 May - 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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Ocean With David Attenborough
15 May 2025
Multiple times available
After nearly 70 years of filming the natural world, Ocean With David Attenborough is Sir David’s most powerful and urgent message yet.
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One To One: John & Yoko
16 - 22 May 2025
Multiple times available
This is One to One: John & Yoko, John Lennon’s only full-length show after leaving The Beatles, at Madison Square Garden and much more.
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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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The Penguin Lessons
23 - 29 May 2025
Multiple times available
Starring Oscar nominee Steve Coogan, The Penguin Lessons follows an Englishman’s personal and political awakening after he adopts a penguin.
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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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