Help Keep Firstsite, Fantastic, Fun and Free
The impact of shutting Firstsite has been huge, for us but also for the communities we work with, which is why we are reaching out to you to help us.
Whatever you can give today, can help us continue our work, collaborate with more communities and find creative solutions to the world we find in front of us. Please help.
Donate nowWhat's on
Top picks
Children & Families
Free
Holiday Fun Summer 2020 | MOVE
31st July - 28th August 2020
Get moving this Summer with Firstsite Holiday Fun! Our sports activities for children are a great way to keep active.
Read moreChildren & Families
Free
Holiday Fun Summer 2020 | MUNCH
20th July - 28th August 2020
Enjoy a hot and nutritious meal free of charge in the Firstsite Canteen.
Read moreExhibitions
Free
Tell me the story of all these things
24th July - 11th October 2020
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Firstsite and the Arts Council Collection present ‘Tell me the story of all these things’, featuring artworks made by some of Britain’s best-known artists, including Tracey Emin, Sarah Lucas, Cornelia Parker and Gillian Wearing – each selected by radical…
Read moreExhibitions
Free
Colchester and Ipswich Art Societies: Borders
24th July - 11th October 2020
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
The Colchester and Ipswich Art Societies explore their mutual border, the River Stour, in an exhibition that celebrates the thriving creativity of the region, the joy of making and the enjoyment and well-being gained through experiencing art.
Read moreExhibitions
Free
Mark Titchner: Some questions about Colchester
13th March 2020 - 1st March 2021
Artist Mark Titchner has produced a new series of public artworks across Colchester, entitled ‘Some questions about Colchester’, which are placed in the windows of vacant shop units around the town centre. This follows on from Mark‘s exhibition at…
Read moreExhibitions
Free
Afro Futures_UK: Unravelling New Futures
25th January - 27th September 2020
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
During our temporary closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be sharing our exhibitions such as this one online. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to discover featured artworks, see behind the scenes, listen to audio descriptions…
Read moreExhibitions
Free
Sonia Coode-Adams: Lockdown Garden
24th July - 27th September 2020
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
‘Lockdown Garden’ features tranquil watercolour landscapes of the garden at Feeringbury Manor, created by the artist during the imposed lockdown.
Read moreExhibitions
Free
Phyllida Barlow
24th July - 11th October 2020
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
The sight of the physical devastation to London’s east end, caused by Second World War bombing raids, is one of Phyllida Barlow’s earliest childhood memories. The destruction and repair of the urban environment has since become one of her…
Read more
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.
Explore shop
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.
Explore venue hireMake the most of your visit
Latest news
We’re reopening!
20th July 2020
We are thrilled to announce that following confirmation from the government that museums and galleries can open from 4th July 2020, Firstsite will be reopening on Friday 24th July. We have missed you! Our galleries, café and shop will…
Read moreOur commitment to anti-racism
30th July 2020
At Firstsite we openly acknowledge that progress towards an equitable society inside our organisation, on our doorstep and globally has been woefully slow especially with regards Black and Minority Ethnic communities. As a consequence of this we stand…
Read more