Firstsite is a contemporary art gallery in Colchester, Essex, housed in an award-winning building designed by Rafael Vinoly. Established in 1993, it is the largest public gallery in the East of England.
In 2021, Firstsite won the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year award for its innovative response to COVID-19 and its longstanding commitment to creative partnerships with leading UK and international artists, as well as regional community organizations.
Firstsite is a registered charity and part of the Arts Council England National Portfolio. It is governed by a Board of Trustees, chaired by Rosie Millard OBE, with Sally Shaw MBE as its Director.
Our Vision and Mission
Our vision is simple: Making art matter.
We believe art and creativity are essential for a happy and healthy society. We champion creativity as a catalyst for positive change, celebrating the power of imagination to shape a better future.
We bring people together through a dynamic mix of exhibitions, films, talks, events, and cultural gatherings, both in our gallery and digitally. Collaboration and community engagement are at the heart of everything we do.
Our Values
Inclusion – Ensuring diverse voices are heard and valued.
Creativity – Encouraging innovation and artistic expression.
Agility – Adapting to new challenges and opportunities.
Responsibility – Making a positive impact on society and the environment.
Strategic Priorities (2024-2027)
- Creative – Expand access to our artistic programme, ensuring greater representation of underrepresented voices. Within three years, our leadership, team, and content will reflect national demographics.
- Social – Increase engagement in art and creativity by 10% annually, reaching 150,000 people by 2026/27, with a focus on global majorities, D/deaf and disabled people, LGBTQI+ communities, and local working populations.
- Economic – Strengthen financial sustainability through philanthropy, sponsorship, and membership, targeting a 19% income increase over three years.
- Sustainability – Transition to 100% LED lighting and explore solar energy, aiming for self-sufficiency in electricity by 2030.
- Research & Innovation – Measure and promote the impact of creativity on health, economic regeneration, and social cohesion, supporting Colchester’s post-COVID recovery.
Artistic Programme
Firstsite has hosted landmark exhibitions, including Grayson Perry’s House for Essex, Andy Warhol, Sarah Lucas, Gillian Wearing, Sir Antony Gormley, and more. We have also pioneered innovative community co-curation, working with Black communities, Radical Women of Colchester, refugees, asylum seekers, and NHS frontline staff.
During COVID-19, our Art Is Where the Home Is initiative reached 100,000 households worldwide, making art accessible during lockdowns.
Children, Young People, and Families
Our Holiday Fun programme supports children and families during school holidays by offering a blend of art, physical activity, and nutritious meals. Since 2017, we have provided 26,000+ meals to over 2,000 families in Colchester and Harwich.
YAK (Young Artist Kommunity) has engaged young creatives aged 15-25 for over 15 years, fostering skills development, exhibitions, and social connections.
Diversity & Inclusion
Firstsite is committed to breaking barriers to access, employment, and leadership in the arts. Since 2016, we have actively worked to increase diversity in our audience and workforce. Our current focus is on ensuring our leadership and decision-making structures reflect the communities we serve.
By doing so, we aim to prove the vital role of art in civic life helping diverse voices shape real solutions to social and cultural challenges.