A TROUBLED art gallery is hoping to secure £3 million in funding as it gets back on track.

Firstsite was taken off Arts Council England’s National Portfolio two years ago amid concerns over how it was being run.

As a result, its funding has had to be confirmed year-to-year instead of the cash being handed over in large blocks.

Now the Lewis Gardens gallery has applied to re-join the portfolio, which would guarantee it £814,512 per year, for four years from 2018/19.

If the application is confirmed, it would represent a step forward for Firstsite, which had been struggling to attract visitors and had received criticism over the exhibitions chosen.

A full business case must be submitted by October and a final decision by Arts Council bosses is expected in June.

Tim Young, Colchester councillor regeneration boss, said: “The Arts Council funding in crucial.

"It means continuity and stability is in place which has not, to a degree, been there.

“Securing the national portfolio and the significant four-year funding amount is very high on the priority list.”

He added: “It was a shame Firstsite was removed from the national portfolio but there were perceived issues about how it was being run.”

“Anthony Roberts came in and did a great job and we are very happy with Sally Shaw and the work she has done since she was appointed. She has been a breath of fresh air.

“The secured funding would allow Sally to plan some programmes and exhibitions which are popular with local residents and visitors.”

Although Colchester Council will hand over £127,925 to the gallery next year, the culture boss stopped short of committing the funding in the long-term.

He added: “Our own funding is coming under increasing pressure so we cannot give out guarantees.

“What I will say is under our administration, we will continue to fund the arts but whether it will be at that level, we just cannot say.”

Sally Shaw, Firstsite director, added "We have put together what I believe is a very strong case to the Arts Council of England for a four year funding programme.

"I'm very excited about our forthcoming activity - particularly as it has been shaped in collaboration with the communities Firstsite is here to serve. 

"Arts Council England, Colchester Borough Council and Essex County Council along with our other stakeholders give us incredible support for which we are extremely grateful and with which we aim to do inspiring things for Colchester and Essex."

Since being excluded from the national portfolio, Firstsite received one-year funding of £814,512 in 2015/16 and 2016/17.

The same amount is pledged for 2017/18.

In addition, the gallery received £725,299 in organisational support in 2015/16.

The application was revealed in documents set to go before councillors next week.

Ms Shaw is also expected to attend the meeting of the Colchester Council scrutiny panel on Tuesday to outline her plans for hte gallery.