Studios

Cuckoo Farm Studios formed in 1992, in converted farm buildings on the northern outskirts of the historical town of Colchester.

Since then it has grown to become a valuable resource within the wider community, through collaborative links with Colchester School of Art and Design, firstsite and Essex University. We support emerging talent through our Graduate Award Scheme, and we continue to develop artists through professional development. 

Visiting The Complex

Several separate buildings make up the studio complex, as you enter through the main gate, and swing round in, on your left will be 'The Gallery Studios', and The Benham Gallery, and further along is the 'Asparagus Shed Studios' on the right will be the Northern wall of The Barn Studios. Follow the track round to the right to park. 

The Asparagus Shed Studios

Northern side of The Barn Studios

The main entrance is via 'The Courtyard', and is the Southern wall of 'The Barn' , these two areas houses 15 studios, plus communal kitchen, toilets and meeting room. In close proximity to The Courtyard lies 'The Printworkshop' and 'The Cottage' which contains a further 5 studios.

Courtyard Studios

The Cottage Studios

Furthest South by the A12 is 'The White House', surrounded by our beautiful grounds, this holds a further 6 studios.

The White House Studios

Studio holders at Cuckoo Farm engage with and participate in contemporary practice regionally, nationally and internationally. Several artists work at the local art school, and many engage with Essex's educational landscape.

To be considered for a studio you need to first become an associate artist click here for more info.

The Benham Gallery

The Benham Gallery is our main exhibition space, this large space, is used for exhibitions, residencies, talks and workshops. A very versatile space, with white plasterborad walls, a vaulted ceiling, spotlights, all these elements come together to create a warm inviting exhibiting space.

 
Harvey Taylor, 2009

One single open planned space, the main gallery area measures 8mx6m, with an added 2.5mx3m making up the entrance area. 

Plinths are on hand for 3D work and there are plenty of electrical points for new media artists.

For further information please view the sample hire agreement Word / PDF

Double Skinned Shed, Lisa Temple-Cox, 2009

The Print Workshop

The Cuckoo Farm Print Workshop exists to provide printing facilities for creative print makers and beginners alike. The workshop is run as a small cooperative and membership is available as a full or associate member.

For further details on the facilities and the printworkshop artists please click here  

The Print Studio at Cuckoo Farm

The Graduate Studio

One of the studios within the complex is designated as the graduate studio, this is there to house the winner of the annual graduate award in collaboration with Colchester School of Art. The studio is situated close to the main hub of the studios, this allows the graduate to fully engage with Cuckoo Farms creative community.

This award is only open to all outgoing third year graduates from Colchester School of Art and Design (BA/BA Hons).

Further details can be found on the 'Educational' page

The Grounds

In amoungst the old converted farm buildings, we have large outdoor spaces. Lawns (shaded and open), small wood, a greenhouse and even part of the old Boxted Rd, creates a venue which can support a diverse range of exhibitions and events. The location of our annual 'Outside' exhibition.

North Lawn, Pond 


North Lawn, Greenhouse


South Lawn

The Woods