firstsite is a contemporary art organisation in Colchester that is due to move into its new home, late in 2008. Founded on the belief that contemporary art is relevant, inspirational and life changing, firstsite has worked for many years to widen access to contemporary art, using it amongst other things as a tool with which to make sense of our daily lives. In a dialogue with one of the world’s leading architectural practices and in partnership with the region’s leaders, firstsite has been given the unique opportunity to create a building where form meets purpose to shape the way that we engage with art and each other. One important area of the building called the Berryfield Space, a suite of interconnecting spaces used for displaying art, formal learning, activities, research and dialogue. The Berryfield Space takes its name from the site that firstsite:newsite is delicately engineered to rest upon without conventional foundations. The site is rich in archaeology, particularly Roman pieces and the design of firstsite:newsite responds to this heritage, taking care to protect it. The building pays homage to Colchester’s Roman past through classical shape, a golden exterior and Roman innovations such as under floor heating. Whilst the Berryfield house was a private residence it was likely Romans would meet there socially to indulge in favourite pastimes such as playing games and making music. firstsite:newsite invites the modern day citizens of Colchester to meet, just as the Romans did, in this place and take part in cultural and social activities. A fund has been created to support the construction and equipping of this innovative space. Donors will be contributing to: the learning studios where educational, participatory and community activities will take place for up to 60 at a time; resources and ICT facilities for formal learning and self-directed research; the seminar room as a dedicated area for the University of Essex. Here visitors will also enjoy unprecedented access to the University of Essex Collection of Latin American Art (UECLAA) where selected works will be displayed on a seasonal rotation. It is also the site that the Berryfield Mosaic will return to, after being moved to the Colchester Castle Museum when it was discovered in 1923. After much strain on the structure of the mosaic as well as mortar deposits clouding its surface, the mosaic will be moved and restored by an expert team of conservators. Sealed in a protective ‘box’ it will be shielded from the elements. The toughened glazed lid will allow people the rare opportunity to ‘walk’ over it, increasing our understanding of how it would have looked in its original setting. We are looking for £100,000 for the Berryfield Space.