Eleven emerging artists and creative groups with strong links to Luton have secured funding from the Lightning Fund, part of the town’s wider Create Fund, in a move the council says will bring fresh cultural energy into local venues and public spaces next year.
The projects span poetry, film, music, textiles and immersive sound, with each backed proposal expected to add something distinct to the town’s creative landscape. The fund aims to give new and underrepresented voices the platform and support they need to develop their work in Luton.
Among the successful applicants are Chris Burford, whose Brush 4 Strokes workshops will support stroke survivors and people with neurological conditions, and Ayah, who will use floral and canvas installations to transform familiar spaces into vibrant reflections of belonging.
Writer Dana Hudson will develop a queer musical retelling of Achilles and Patroclus at the Hat Factory while Luton Spark Productions will deliver a community-led theatre project combining martial arts and comedy to explore resilience.
Derek Stewart will produce a docuseries focusing on the town’s creatives, musicians and community champions, and Safoora Ahmed will create a video series exploring family stories and cultural memory. An emerging filmmaker has also been awarded support to develop professional skills and equipment to capture powerful local stories.
Artist Nadia Hussain will use the funding to build an online platform showcasing her work and encouraging accessible creativity. Acoustic Survey Art Lab will run Adventures in Sound workshops centred on rhythm and improvisation, while Laura Mathurin will develop immersive audio stories with young people in community gardens. James Anderson will restore historic hat-making machinery to preserve Luton’s heritage and pass traditional skills to future generations.
Councillor Hazel Simmons, leader of Luton Council, said: “We’re delighted to support local creatives through this funding. Luton’s creative community is one of our greatest strengths and these projects will bring joy, inspiration and pride to our town. Arts and culture play a vital role in improving wellbeing, celebrating our diversity and building a stronger, more vibrant Luton. I can’t wait to see what these talented creatives bring to life.”
The Lightning Fund sits within the council’s broader Create Fund, which offers financial backing, mentoring and growth opportunities. A further strand, the Evolution Fund, will be announced in the coming months and is expected to open up even more chances for local creatives to get involved.
You can follow the programme on the Luton Arts social media channels or visit the Luton Arts website for more information.
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