About

April is comics month at firstsite, and, in partnership with ACE comics, we are holding a programming of talks, workshops, film screenings and a residency on the theme of comics, art and contemporary culture.

Throughout the first three weeks of April firstsite is hosting an artist residency to develop a new comic-inspired work based on Colchester’s landscape.

The artist-in-residence - supported by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation - will work in the project space at our current home in 4 - 6 Short Wyre Street and you are welcome to drop in and make your mark – or simply see how our Colchester comic is progressing.

Whether you are a total beginner and want to learn drawing skills or you are a well-seasoned Cosplay fanatic – join in with our comic extravaganza this April.

Then there are three free talks during April which will each take place at the Headgate Theatre, 14 Chapel Street North, Colchester CO2 7AT from 7pm-8.30pm.

The Talks Programme begins on Monday 12 April with Dan Dare and Misty: boys’ and girls’ comics of the 1950s to the 1970s. Comic writer and editor Pat Mills together with Eric Fernie, art historian and comics enthusiast will talk about this classic period of comic art.

On Thursday 15 April Richard Reynolds, comics historian and artist, together with Simon Grennan, artist and co-founder of Grennan and Sperandio, will talk on Kartoon Kings: how contemporary artists got into comics.

The third talk will be given on Wednesday 28 April by Paul Gravett, comics historian, curator and Manga specialist and Chie\Kutsuwada, Manga artist. The theme is As you like it- the power of subversion in Manga comics.

In the week of Monday 29 March to Thursday April 1 school groups are invited to come along to a session called KERPOW at firstsite to create a comic character in 3D and learn more about the art of comics.

There are limited places for all talks, workshops, activities and events so please book early.

All talks are free, but there may be a charge for some events. Please see the links below for details.

To book contact us on 01206 577067 or email us