FIRSTSITE has not always had the easiest of times.

Two years ago, under previous director, Matthew Rowe, the gallery’s financial and visitor figures came under intense scrutiny.

Politicians from across the board then called for major changes to the organisation after learning of a £50,000 farewell package delivered to Mr Rowe despite the gallery’s poor performance.

As a result, a leaderless Firstsite was placed in the arts equivalent of special measures and Arts Council England pulled the gallery’s longer-term funding opting instead to fund it year by year until improvements were made.

The gallery then underwent a seismic shift.

Colchester Arts Centre director Anthony Roberts was parachuted in and brought with him an approachability and inclusive approach to art.

A gold painted bus was parked in the foyer, crazy golf was set up in the vast corridors and cafe culture was introduced to the gallery.

It was art without barriers - and without elitism.

The momentum was established and was built on by new director Sally Shaw.

And on Tuesday, the work paid off as Firstsite was welcomed back into Arts Council England’s national portfolio organisation alongside Colchester Arts Centre, the Mercury Theatre and - for the first time - the Colchester and Ipswich Museums Service.

Mrs Shaw said: “It was hugely important for the gallery to receive this funding from Arts Council England, and we are delighted to be welcomed back into its National Portfolio of Organisations.

“It is great ACE recognised the importance of Firstsite and all the other arts institutions and museums in the area as an integral and vital part of the cultural life of Colchester and Essex.”

She added: “The offer is subject to conditions and the board of trustees and I are looking forward to working closely with ACE and our stakeholders to meet these conditions and confirm the offer by the end of March 2018.”

Sally recognised the contribution made by others to Firstsite’s change of fortunes.

“It’s incredible to see Arts Council England recognised in our application we have put forward a fully thought-out and costed programme for the coming four years.

“I am pleased this has happened since I joined as director but none of it would have been possible without the steadfast support and assistance of our dedicated board of trustees and our other principal stakeholders, Colchester Council and Essex County Council, whose contributions to the gallery, both in time and money, have been key to our successful applications. “

Sally added: “Also, I have been very lucky in having a brilliant team at the gallery, as well as many keen and enthusiastic volunteers who give their time and effort to make Firstsite such an energising place to work and visit.”

Exact plans for how the cash will be spent have not been finalised but plans are already in the pipeline to bring in exhibitions which have a “wide-ranging appeal”.

She added: “We have a programme mapped out but it is too early to say what money will be allocated to what.

“As to attracting more visitors, at the core of this will be putting together a programme of exhibitions and events that have wide-ranging appeal.”

She pointed to the Lubaina Himid exhibition, which opens tomorrow which will be the African artist’s first show since being nominated for this year’s Turner Prize.

“It is fantastic to be a part of Colchester’s cultural quarter and that all of those that applied for NPO status have been successful,” said Sally.

“We are looking forward to working with all of them, and drawing more and more visitors to the area.

“Colchester is an incredibly vibrant centre for the arts and to have such wonderful and varied institutions all within close proximity is another reason for visiting the town.”