Firstsite, Colchester’s contemporary art gallery, has secured almost £1 million in Government funding to invest in its building. The funding will support improvements that reduce environmental impact, improve sustainability and help secure the gallery’s long‑term future as a key cultural and community asset in the city centre.
The funding has been awarded through the Government’s Creative Foundations Fund, part of the national Arts Everywhere Fund, which is investing nearly £130 million in cultural venues, museums and libraries across England to protect cultural infrastructure and improve access to arts and culture.
Protecting a key cultural asset
Colchester City Council supported Firstsite’s successful bid by providing nearly £50,000 in match funding – helping unlock almost £1 million of national investment.
This backing reflects a practical, partnership approach to maintaining the city's cultural infrastructure, supporting a key organisation to become more sustainable and keeping a council-owned asset fit for the future.
What the funding will deliver
The investment will fund several major improvements. First, the creation of climate-controlled gallery spaces, allowing Firstsite to host museum-quality and international loan exhibitions. Alongside this, a new immersive digital space will be developed in partnership with Signals, a Colchester-based arts and learning organisation, enabling new artistic work using immersive and digital technologies. The project also includes a full upgrade of the building's management systems, improving sustainability, resilience and operational efficiency.
A venue with a strong social impact
Beyond its artistic programme, Firstsite plays a vital role in supporting local communities. Its Holiday Fun programme has delivered more than 40,000 free meals since 2017, providing creative activities, safe spaces and nutritious food for families facing economic hardship during school holidays – helping ensure that culture at Firstsite remains genuinely accessible to all.
Sally Shaw MBE, Director of Firstsite, said: “Securing this investment would not have been possible without the support of Colchester City Council. The match funding they provided played a crucial role in our application and enabled the funding decision. It will allow us to improve the sustainability of the Firstsite building and develop new ways for people to experience art while continuing the inclusive work we do with communities across Colchester.”
Rachel Hipkiss, Director at Signals, said: “I am delighted that Firstsite has secured this support. This investment creates an opportunity for new collaboration between Signals and Firstsite to develop and share new immersive content within a dedicated gallery space, enabling audiences to engage with art in exciting ways.”
Cllr Lee Scordis, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Environment at Colchester City Council said: “This significant investment is a strong vote of confidence in Firstsite and in Colchester’s cultural offer. By supporting this bid, we have helped secure long-term improvements to a council-owned building, ensuring it remains sustainable, accessible, and fit for the future. Firstsite plays an important role in the life of our city, and this funding will help it continue to support residents, attract visitors and contribute to a thriving city centre.”
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