Exciting news! The Luton Business Improvement District (BID) has teamed up with Luton Council, The Mall, and The Culture Trust to roll out a new public art gig. Calling all artists with a Luton connection – this is your moment!

The search is on for someone to whip up a visually stunning masterpiece on the side of The Mall Shopping Centre. The commissioned artwork will be located on Bute Street, one of Luton Town Centre’s busiest spots with over 15,000 pedestrians passing by every week.

What’s in it for you? Well, how about a cool £40,000 budget? Yep, that covers everything – fees, design, making the magic happen, installing the piece, and any other bits and bobs. Luton BID, The Mall, Luton Council, and the Culture Trust are all pitching in to make this happen.

Timeline-wise, the group are looking at January to March 2024 for the design and development phase, with the final piece ready to rock and roll by summer 2024.

This isn’t just about designing a pretty picture; they want this artwork to speak to Luton. We’re talking pride, diversity, creativity, and innovation. It need to be a symbol of our town, involving the local business community, residents, and visitors in the process.

Artists, get those creative juices flowing! The deadline for applications is noon on 14 December 2023. Drop an email to bidmanager@lutonbid.org or follow this link. Be sure to include how you’ll rock this project, share your CV, and break down that budget detailing the allocation of funds for fees, fabrication, installation, and other costs.

We can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store for Luton!

The project is a collaborative effort led by Luton BID, in conjunction with Luton Council, The Mall, and The Culture Trust, Luton. These entities are committed to enhancing the cultural landscape of Luton Town Centre, making it a more inviting destination for residents, businesses, and visitors.

About the Author
Laura Redmond

Laura is a passionate supporter of the Step Forward Luton campaign and a Place Activation and Marketing Coordinator. Armed with a journalism degree and unwavering love for her university town, she believes there's more to Luton that meets the eye. From charity work to market management, Laura's professional journey has explored every corner of Luton. When she's not busy being a marketing maven, she's lacing up her walking shoes to explore the town's green spaces or unearthing Luton's hidden foodie gems.