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Students examining a piece of art hung on the wall

Soak up some culture

Essex has got it all. Soak up a little bit of culture in Britain's oldest recorded town; visit the Norman castle, delve into some contemporary art at Firstsite Gallery, enjoy a show at the Mercury Theatre, or just stay on campus and get stuck into theatre, art, gigs and more! 

Art Exchange

No need to head into city for your culture fix, we're got a contemporary gallery space in the centre of our Colchester Campus. Art Exchange is the home of art exhibitions, artist meet and greets, talks and events. You can even let your own creativity go wild at the various art classes on offer, from life drawing to playing with clay and screenprinting.

Inside Art Exchange gallery during an exhibition with a couple of visitors)
Inside Art Exchange gallery during an exhibition with a couple of visitors

Lakeside Theatre

At our Colchester Campus, Lakeside Theatre showcases live comedy, National Theatre Live screenings, as well as touring theatre company productions and dance performances. Whether you're a keen actor, interested in production, or just enjoy an evening at the theatre (especially when there is a discounted student ticket), this is perfect for students interested in the arts.

View of Lakeside Theatre stage from the tech box

Inside the tech box

Audience member walking down the stairs

Lakeside Theatre

ESCALA

 The Essex Collection of Art from Latin America (ESCALA) is unique in Europe, offering unparalleled access to art from Latin America, here our students can experience object-based learning and curating techniques.

Curator organising artworks in ESCALA)
Curator organising artworks in ESCALA

SubZero

Gigs at SubZero, an underground nightclub in the centre of our Colchester Campus holds 1,200 people and regularly hosts some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. 

Family Wall

It's not quite the Lock Bridge in Paris, but what better way to leave your mark on Essex forever by writing your initials on a padlock and locking yourself to campus (not literally of course).

Lockwall

Family Wall

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