Luton’s long-abandoned ABC Cinema is set to undergo a creative transformation, with a striking new mural that celebrates the town’s rich heritage and culture and you get a chance to choose the design.
As part of a wider public art initiative, the former cinema on George Street, which closed down in 2000, will become the canvas for an inspiring artwork that not only brightens the area but also pays homage to Luton.
The project is one of three public art installations planned for the town centre, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) in collaboration with Luton Council and Step Forward Luton. These initiatives aim to revitalise key neglected areas, supporting the town’s long-term regeneration plans and aligning with Luton 2040’s vision of transforming lives through arts, culture, and heritage.
The ABC Cinema mural, designed by Sarah Hodgkins of Charlotte Designs, will wrap around the lower half of the building and the artist has worked closely with Lutonians, gathering their stories and ideas to create two design options that reflect Luton’s past, present and future.
Now, you have the chance to vote on your favourite design before the winning artwork is painted in March.
The first design combines a stylised cityscape with an Art Deco cinema front, featuring a 1930s Vauxhall car, an androgynous figure, and nods to Luton’s culture, including references to the film Blinded by the Light – which is set in the town and based on journalist Sarfraz Manzoor’s memoir about his early upbringing in Bury Park – and Brit Award-nominated pop star Myles Smith. A lively jazz band and dancers also appear, reflecting Luton’s carnival spirit, with an Instagram-friendly spot for visitors to engage with the artwork.
The second design takes a bolder, abstract approach, embracing vibrant Art Deco patterns while incorporating elements of cinema, music, and nature. Featuring an image of Audrey Hepburn behind a camera, a vintage Vauxhall car, a musician playing a double bass, and a symbolic beam of cinematic light, this design also offers an interactive photo opportunity.
Hodgkins emphasised the importance of community involvement in the project, writing on the Charlotte Designs website: “Something colourful was the most common request from the public during consultation. I’ve tried to reflect Luton’s heritage while also creating something visually exciting and interactive.”
Residents can cast their vote online at Charlotte Designs’ website. The poll closes at midnight on Sunday, March 2, and the winning design will begin taking shape from Monday, March 10.
Speaking earlier this month, Councillor James Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Inclusive Growth, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “This exciting project is part of the work to improve the town centre and is a big part of our vision for Luton 2040, where we want to transform lives through arts, culture, and heritage.”
The ABC Cinema mural joins other public art projects, including a recent installation at Silver Street and an upcoming mural for Guildford Street. These projects aim to enhance the town’s visual appeal, attract more footfall, and instill pride among local residents.
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