Firstsite

Firstsite began life in 1994 in Colchester's 18th century Minories building. Our innovative programme of exhibitions and professional development for international, British and local Colchester artists grew and flourished.

In 1996, Firstsite became the first visual arts organisation to dedicate an entire gallery to schools' art; and education and participation remains central to our mission, making it ideal for school and educational trips in Colchester, Essex.Firstsite's success in reaching out to new audiences for contemporary art attracted tens of thousands of visitors, and by the early 2000s, it was clear that the organisation had outgrown its Minories home.

Draw and paint along with artist Simon Carter as he demonstrates his own methods of working, using the view from your window as inspiration. Artist Michael Landy talks 'Essexism' with comedian Russell Kane, artists Elsa James and Maria Anastassiou, sociologist Professor Pam Cox and The Only Way is Essex legend, Amy Childs.

Steeped in glorious 1980s aesthetics, 'Censor' is a bloody love letter to the VHS 'video nasty' horror classics of the past. Northern Ballet's bodice-ripping retelling of Dangerous Liaisons is performed and filmed by their incredible dancers in a cinema first that pulls you into their stage.

Widower Tom, on the recent passing of his wife Mary, uses his free bus pass to travel the length of Britain from John O'Groats in Scotland to Land's End in Cornwall, their shared birthplace, using only local buses.When an unforeseen murder puts pressure on the family and their loyalty to each other, tension builds as love and violence become impossible to separate.

Open all year with free admission and a vibrant programme of exhibitions, films, learning activities and events to spark your imagination, alongside a caf and shop, Firstsite is for everyone! Our galleries are open every day from 10am - 5pm, but we also have many other areas to Firstsite which are open throughout the evening.

The High Street, Queen Street and East Hill are well served by many local bus routes with bus stops just a few minutes' walk from Firstsite. Queen Street Stop Jc, just by the Curzon Cinema, is our nearest bus stop. This is served by bus routes 64, 64A and 65. Firstsite is also just a 10-minute walk from Colchester's bus station on Osborne Street.