‘Essex chavs jibe will not scupper Firstsite success’

The Daily Telegraph’s review of the opening of Firstsite claimed the £28million venue will struggle because art lovers will not visit a county associated with reality TV show the Only Way is Essex.

Writer Rupert Christiansen acknowledged Colchester’s Roman past and the presence of the Mercury Theatre gave the town a “bit of cultural clout”, but he said Firstsite would be better off on the Sussex coast.

Firstsite director Kath Wood said many of the 10,000 visitors in the First week had travelled from across the UK.

She said: “Firstsite has a key role to play in nurturing the wealth of artistic talent our region enjoys.

“It is something it can do more boldly and extensively in its new building, fostering the great tradition of East Anglian art that includes Alfred Munnings, Cedric Morris, Edward Bawden, John Nash, Eduardo Paolozzi, Nigel Henderson, Gainsborough and Constable.”

Ms Wood said Colchester’s population had grown by 35,000 in a decade and Firstsite was intended to be the catalyst for a £500million town centre regeneration.

Supporters point out nearly one in five jobs in the town is in the creative industries, compared with a national average of 8 per cent.

Visitors to Firstsite’s previous home, in the Minories, jumped from 12,000 in 1997 to 80,000 last year.

Ms Wood said: “We believe Essex towns such as Colchester deserve iconic architecture. There is plenty of room for ambition and aspiration here.

“Firstsite may not yet be in the international superstar league, but we have a clear vision and big goals that will enrich our town, our region and the lives of the hundreds of thousands of visitors we hope will come and see us.”

More than 10,500 have visited Firstsite since it opened in Queen Street on September 24.

Essex County Council leader Peter Martin said: “Essex is a popular tourist destination and the arts play a crucial role in attracting visitors and investment to the county.’’