Join us for an unmissable celebration of creativity, bringing together a diverse range of artists, collectors, art lovers and all who are simply curious about art.

Set in a welcoming environment, our fair showcases a stunning array of original artworks, including paintings and sculptures. Whether you’re on the hunt for a unique gift or treating yourself to something special, this is your chance to discover one-of-a-kind pieces that speak to you.

Meet emerging and established artists, explore their unique creations, and snap up exclusive pieces to add to your collections.

With interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and thought-provoking artworks, there’s something for everyone.

Join us for an inspiring and dynamic experience where art, culture, and community come together.

Each Art Fair will feature a variety of exciting activities, including:

• A display of original artworks
• Opportunities to network with other artists and art enthusiasts
• Portfolio surgeries
• Live demonstrations and hands-on workshops
• Guided tours of the Firstsite gallery to immerse yourself in our exhibitions

Entry is free, but you will need to purchase tickets to participate in the live demonstrations and workshops. If you would like to attend a Portfolio Surgery session you would also need to book a time-slot.

This is an event you won’t want to miss – immerse yourself in creativity and take home something truly special!

Sat 22 Nov – Line Up:

Our Nov Art Fair which will be brimming with events and activities from morning until late!

Day Time

• Portfolio Surgery 

Book a one-on-one session at our free Artist Portfolio Surgery, where established artists and industry experts – including Frances Morris CBE, Jon Banger and more will offer constructive feedback and professional guidance.

Find out more and book a Morning session or Afternoon session!

• David Downed Drawing Live

As part of the legacy of our Voyager 2000: Worldbeing & Wonder? exhibition, join Manningtree artist David Downes as he brings Colchester’s beloved heritage icon, Jumbo, to life – live!

Experience the magic unfold in real time as he sketches in the Mosaic Space at Firstsite. Find out more…

• How to Paint with Tissue Paper

Get creative in this hands-on How to Paint with Tissue Paper workshop!

Led by Sue Gascoyne discover how to inject colour and tone to your art. Find out more and book tickets!

• Family Card Making

Experiment with hand-painting, collage, pop-ups, and tissue paper to make greeting cards just in time for the holidays in Family Card Making! Find out more and book tickets!

• Collage Greeting Card Workshop

Add a personal touch to your festive greetings with your own handmade, eco-friendly collaged cards with Collage Greeting Card Workshop. Find out more and book tickets!

Evening 

• Festive Light Parade at Firstsite

This year the Festive Light Parade ends its trail at Firstsite lighting up our iconic gallery.

After the parade, there will be more creative activities for families, shopping, tasty seasonal treats in our Foyer Café, and live music until late.

• SportsBanger Shop Takeover

As night falls, London’s rebellious collective SportsBanger takes over our foyer and shop for the launch of exclusive new Firstsite merch – with Jon Banger on hand to sign your purchases!

Enjoy DJ sets kicking off with a family-friendly vibe from 5pm, before turning up the volume with adult sets from 7pm. Plus, see Essex Man in a whole new light…

• Boozy Brushes – Paint Your Pal

Join Sirena Hart at Firstsite for Boozy Brushes a multi-art, Drag entertainment painting class extravaganza where you can paint your pal!

Bring a friend, partner, parent or sibling for a guaranteed night of giggles and fabulous Drag Entertainment. Find out more and book tickets.