Together, these upgrades will fundamentally reshape what we can offer—not simply improving the building, but transforming the conditions in which creativity can be experienced, shared, and developed.
Enhanced environmental controls will enable us to host a broader range of national and international loans, strengthening its role within the UK’s cultural ecosystem and creating new opportunities for partnerships and collaboration.
The introduction of a new immersive digital gallery marks a step-change in our programme. Designed as a flexible, future-facing space, it will support cutting-edge work across digital art, moving image, and interactive experiences—engaging new audiences and reflecting the evolving nature of contemporary creativity.
Beyond the building itself, the impact of this investment will be felt across Colchester and Essex. By strengthening our offer, it will attract new visitors, support the local economy, and reinforce the region’s growing reputation as a place where culture, creativity, and innovation thrive together.
This funding builds on our recent transformation—from financial recovery to national recognition, such as being named Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2021 —and positions the organisation to deliver even greater public value in the years ahead.
Sally Shaw, Director of Firstsite, said: “This is not just an investment in our building—it is an investment in creativity as essential infrastructure. At a time when the world is becoming more complex, divided, and fast-moving, the ability to think creatively is no longer optional – it is critical. This funding allows us to create conditions where that kind of thinking can happen every day, for everyone.
In an intensely competitive funding landscape, this award is a powerful vote of confidence in our vision: to build a space where creativity is part of daily life – accessible, ambitious, and relevant to the challenges we all face. These developments will allow us to bring exceptional work to Colchester, support artists to take risks and experiment, and create experiences that genuinely stay with people long after they leave the building.”
Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said: “I want everyone, everywhere to feel a sense of pride about where they come from. Cultural organisations across the East of England are important custodians of local identity and play a key role in the story we tell ourselves as a nation.
“Our Arts Everywhere Fund is delivering on our commitment to support cultural assets across the country, increasing access and preserving them for future generations. This is demonstrated by grants announced today that will benefit twelve culture venues, museums, and library services across the East of England.
“Arts and culture are the beating hearts of our communities, they have the power to unite us in the face of division and break down barriers to opportunity. We want to harness the power to help us build a brighter future for the people of the East of England.”
Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “We are proud to support this new wave of investment through the Museum Estate and Development Fund, the Libraries Improvement Fund, and the Creative Foundations Fund.
“These programmes are strengthening the cultural infrastructure that communities rely on every day, from vibrant local libraries and much‑loved museums to the creative organisations that bring imagination and innovation to our towns and cities.
“This funding will help safeguard historic buildings, modernise essential public spaces, and ensure that cultural organisations can continue to thrive, adapt, and inspire.
“By investing in the foundations of our cultural lives, we are helping to secure a more sustainable, more accessible, and more creative future for people across the East of England and beyond.”
Work will begin later this year, with improvements carefully phased to ensure we remain open and accessible throughout.
Image credits:
1. Firstsite, 2025. Photo by Jayne Lloyd. 2. Installation View, Colchester Art Society at 80, Firstsite, 2026. Photography by Jayne Lloyd. 3. Into Abstraction Opening Celebration, 2025. Photography by Jayne Lloyd.
