Luton Borough Council

30/06/2025 - Luton Arts Programme Set to Transform Town's Cultural Landscape

The Arts and Culture Strategy Group (ACSG) is excited to announce the Luton Arts Programme, a transformative two-year initiative funded by Arts Council England, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and sponsorship from Luton Rising.

This ambitious programme aims to support and showcase Luton’s vibrant creative community.

The programme will focus on three main strands:

1. Luton Create Fund: Launched on Monday 30 June 2025, this fund will help local creatives bring their ideas to life with comprehensive support.

2. Support & Resource Hub: Launching in Autumn 2025, the hub will offer valuable resources and support for Luton creatives.

3. Public Events: Starting in 2026, a series of public events will showcase the incredible talent in our community.

The Luton Create Fund, launched on Monday 30 June, will kick off the programme. Funded artists will receive support for career development, including mentoring. Additionally, there will be an access budget to remove barriers, and a dedicated schools and wellbeing strand to further support the community.

Councillor Hazel Simmons MBE, Leader of Luton Council, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to launch the Luton Arts Programme. A growing arts offer that celebrates our diverse range of cultures and supports greater wellbeing is a big part of our vision for Luton 2040. This initiative aims to transform lives through arts, culture, and heritage. Securing this funding is a fantastic achievement, designed to enhance the town’s social and economic development through creativity and engagement. It will allow us to work alongside our partners in the ACSG to create programmes that help local artists access funding, improve their skills, and deliver a series of events that everyone can enjoy.”

The ACSG, including the council, The Culture Trust Luton, UK Centre for Carnival Arts, Tangled Feet, Music 24, Revoluton Arts, Clore Leadership, and The University of Bedfordshire, brings over one hundred years of experience in arts and cultural leadership. Their collective goal is to foster the growth of arts and culture across Luton. This collaboration ensures that the Luton Arts Programme is backed by a wealth of expertise and a shared commitment to enriching the town's cultural landscape.

Artists and creatives can find out more about this exciting initiative and apply for funding via the Luton Arts website.

The Luton Arts Programme is a key part of the Harnessing Momentum strategy, which underscores the crucial role of arts and culture in achieving the Luton 2040 vision where everyone can thrive, and no one lives in poverty.

For more information, please contact: [email protected]