Essex


<p>Not been to Firstsite? You&#8217;re missing out. At this contemporary visual arts organisation you can experience exciting developments in contemporary art, as well a rich artistic legacy cultivated by the East of England’s landscape and character. Here&#8217;s just a few reasons to pay them a visit, being sure to also sign up to become a <a href="https://firstsite.uk/join-support/membership/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Firstsite Mosaic Member</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-variety-of-exhibitions">A variety of exhibitions</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/3-8-1000x667.jpg" alt="Exhibitions Fitstsite museum" class="wp-image-19282" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/3-8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/3-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/3-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/3-8.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Firstsite&#8217;s exhibitions are bold and diverse, challenging conventional ideas and inspiring new perspectives.&nbsp;Showcasing a mix of contemporary, modern and historic art, you&#8217;ve ancient Roman mosaics alongside cutting-edge works from artists&nbsp;Sarah Lucas, Grayson Perry and Antony Gormley. Currently on show until Feb is <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event_categories/exhibitions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jane Ostler: Finding the Hand of Kindness</a>, art inspired by her role as a caregiver, the impact of patriarchal expectations, and the everyday moments of kindness. For all the exhibitions on show <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event_categories/exhibitions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">click here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tons-of-local-talent">Tons of local talent</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/5-4-1000x667.jpg" alt="Firstsite Michael Landy" class="wp-image-19281" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/5-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/5-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/5-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/5-4.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://firstsite.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Firstsite</a> also celebrates Essex’s creativity, celebrating artists and cultural movements that shaped the county over time. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by Michael Landy’s eight metre Essex Man sculpture, with other exhibitions highlighting Essex and the East of England’s unique artistic legacy. What&#8217;s more, Firstsite also works directly with communities to co-curate many of their exhibitions, resonating with a range of people and encouraging visitors to look at art in new and thought-provoking ways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-purpose-built-cinema">Purpose-built cinema</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/2-9-1000x667.jpg" alt="Firstsite cinema" class="wp-image-19266" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/2-9-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/2-9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/2-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/2-9.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Firstsite screens a range of films in its 190 seat cinema, from box office hits to art-house and cult classics. This <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event_categories/halloween/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halloween</a> enjoy Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Shaun of the Dead and The Substance for hardcore horror fans. <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event_categories/black-history-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Black History Month</a> sees films celebrating the voices of the black community, while those seeking <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event_categories/relaxed-screenings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relaxed screenings</a> should head there on Saturdays, with films shown in a sensory-friendly and inclusive environment. All films are free for <a href="https://firstsite.uk/join-support/membership/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Firstsite Mosaic Members</a>, meaning you can watch as many as you like for no extra cost.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-live-screenings-available">Live screenings available</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/1-10-1000x667.jpg" alt="Firstsite live screenings The Royal Ballet The Nutcracker" class="wp-image-19267" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/1-10-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/1-10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/1-10-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/1-10.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Firstsite also shows live screenings of the best theatre, ballet, opera, classic and popular music concerts. Coming up is <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event/the-royal-opera-wolf-witch-giant-fairy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Royal Opera: Wolf Witch Giant Fairy</a> – a Red Riding Hood fairytale reimagined with twists, turns, magic and song. Opera fan? Book up for the star studded celebration of tenor <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event/andrea-bocelli-30-the-celebration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andrea Bocelli</a> as he celebrates 30 years in his career. Those keen to get into the festive spirit can also enjoy Christmas classic, The Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker, as well as <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event/andre-rieus-2024-christmas-concert-gold-and-silver/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andre Rieu’s 2024 Christmas Concert: Gold and Silver</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-workshops-for-all">Workshops for all</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/4-5-1000x667.jpg" alt="Firstsite Boozy Brushes " class="wp-image-19270" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/4-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/4-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/4-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/4-5.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Firstsite&#8217;s range of workshops are suitable for all ages and abilities, sparking imagination and letting you experience the joy of making your own art. Develop your skills in a <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event/life-drawing-with-justine-moss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life drawing class</a> or oil painting for beginners – or enjoy a creative night out at <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event/boozy-brushes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boozy Brushes</a> with drag artist Sirena Hart. There&#8217;s plenty of <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event_categories/festive-workshops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">festive workshops</a> to book, too, from <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event/candle-decorating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">candle decorating</a> and <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event/wreath-making/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wreath making</a> to a <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event/wicker-star-workshop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wicker star workshop</a> and even <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event/festive-canal-folk-art/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">festive canal folk art</a>. Again, <a href="https://firstsite.uk/join-support/membership/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Firstsite Mosaic members</a> get 20% off all workshops – meaning you save while exploring your creativity. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-friendly-ethos">Family friendly ethos</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/6-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="Firstsite free meals for kids " class="wp-image-19269" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/6-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/6-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/6-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/6-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Firstsite is perfect for all ages, with exhibitions providing hours of entertainment. Artworks are displayed at varying levels, with weekly <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event_categories/parent-baby/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parent and baby cinema screenings</a> suitable for parents, carers and their babies.&nbsp;Free art activities are available in the creative area, as well as a range of <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event_categories/children-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clubs and classes</a> to suit all. There&#8217;s even <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event/holiday-fun-october-2024-make/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">school holiday help</a> for families facing financial and&nbsp;social challenges, with artist led drop-in workshops, sports and movement sessions and family meals in the canteen – all provided for free.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exclusive-membership-perks">Exclusive membership perks</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/7-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Outside cafe Firstsite museum" class="wp-image-19283" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/7-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/7-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/7-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/7-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Keep reading about the perks of becoming a <a href="https://firstsite.uk/join-support/membership/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Firstsite Mosaic Member</a> and want to know more? Join now for free access to standard films, as well as 20% off event cinema, including popular music events. You&#8217;ll also benefit from 20% off workshops and talks, 10% off in the on-site shop and café, and no booking fees. Starting from £99 a year, you&#8217;ll be helping Firstsite continue to offer free world-class exhibitions, while supporting East Anglian local artists and communities.&nbsp;The perfect gift for a loved one this Christmas, <a href="https://firstsite.uk/join-support/membership/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sign them – and yourself! – up now</a>, to become part of a community of supporters and friends.</p>


Firstsite: Colchester’s art and culture venue

You may also like