Christmas Appeal 2026
Imagine a world without free art
Imagine having nowhere to take your children during the school holidays. Nowhere to go when the house feels cold, money is tight or you simply need a change of scene. Imagine missing out on the chance to discover something beautiful, try something new or spend time with others, because the cost of taking part is too much.
For many people, these aren’t just imagined scenarios. The cost of living can make even the simplest experiences feel out of reach. And loneliness, isolation and poor mental wellbeing can make it harder to feel connected to the world around us.
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But art is about so much more than what’s hanging on a gallery wall
Art helps us make sense of the world. It introduces us to different experiences, challenges our assumptions, sparks conversations and opens our minds to new ways of thinking. It can move us, inspire us, help us see things differently and give us new ways to express ourselves.
Research from King’s College London has even found that viewing art in a museum setting can have an immediate positive effect on our health and wellbeing, with cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone) levels falling by up to 22%. Learn more about the research.
Support Firstsite this Christmas
Support our mission of making art matter
Beyond the science, creativity is something everyone can access. It is not limited to artists or specialists, but a basic human skill that helps people explore ideas, connect, and respond to change.
This belief sits at the core of Firstsite’s mission: that creativity belongs to everyone. We believe these experiences and opportunities should be open to everyone, not just those who can afford them.
Will you help keep Firstsite fantastic, fun and free this Christmas?
Support Firstsite this ChristmasYour support makes more possible
A visit to an art gallery might spark a new idea, change the way someone sees the world or simply offer a moment of calm in a busy day. A creative workshop might help a child discover a new skill, give someone the confidence to try something new or bring people together who might never otherwise have met.
These experiences matter. And everyone should have the chance to enjoy them.
Your gift in action
For some families, the school holidays bring extra pressure: higher food bills, childcare costs and fewer opportunities for children to socialise and take part in enriching activities. Through our Holiday Fun programme, we help families enjoy artist-led creative sessions, sports and movement activities, spend time together and access warm, nutritious meals, without the financial worry.
And it’s not just families who benefit. Our galleries are free to enter, providing a warm, welcoming place where people can discover inspiring art, encounter different perspectives, spend time with others or simply take a break from the pressures of everyday life.
Our workshops and community activities give people of all ages the opportunity to explore their creativity, express themselves, build confidence and form meaningful connections.
Support Firstsite this ChristmasHere's what your gift could help make possible:
- £10 could buy materials for a child to take part in a creative workshop.
- £20 could help fund community art sessions for people feeling isolated.
- £50 could provide 19 warm, nutritious meals for families this Christmas.
Every gift makes a difference
You can make a one-off donation or choose to give monthly, helping provide ongoing support for the people and programmes that make Firstsite special.
Whatever you can give, you’re helping make sure that art, creativity and the opportunities they bring remain accessible to everyone.
Support Firstsite this ChristmasGift a seat this Christmas
Looking for a meaningful Christmas gift for someone special?
You can adopt a seat in the cinema at Firstsite for £300, for ten years. A personalised plaque will feature your name and that of your chosen loved one, creating a lasting connection to a place where art is free for everyone.
To find out more or arrange a seat adoption, email [email protected].
Enquire about gifting a seatYour Christmas gift can help keep art free for everyone
This Christmas, you can help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to discover and experience art, explore their creativity and feel welcome at Firstsite.
Your donation helps keep the gallery free to enter, supports families through creative activities and provides opportunities for people to connect through art.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, since the opening of our building in 2011, we’ve welcomed over 1.7 million visitors, served more than 34,000 free hot meals and hosted thousands of activities for local families.
Behind every one of these numbers are real people, discovering something new, enjoying time together and finding a place where they belong.
Your support helps make this possible. Thank you for helping keep art free for everyone this Christmas.
