Meet the artists and creatives given grants to support projects in Luton

The Evolution Fund, part of the Luton Create Fund, had nearly 150 applications from artists and community groups around the town to get up to £20,000 in grants. Here are the funded projects for 2026: Abi Spendlove will explore Luton's chalk landscape through art using chalk pigment, a travelling sculpture and a public exhibition. Playwright, Cheryl Prince, has been awarded money for AWAKEN, a performance exploring witch‑heritage, folklore and working‑class stories. Dianne Thomas created 'Voices of Nubian Queen', an event with poetry, storytelling, dance and drama to celebrate the stories of Black women. The ladies behind Beyond Luton Carnival 50 - Gabrielle Smith, Jade Scott and Karis Beaumont - were also helped to fund their community archive and exhibition marking 50 years of Luton Carnival's rich history. Mary Hearne's Postcards from Home will bring workshops to refugees, asylum seekers, and people with disabilities and teach them to craft expressive "postcards" about home and belonging. Woven voices received funding for an intergenerational upcycled textiles project that looks at identity, storytelling and sustainability. Thomas Young will produce 'Who are you... really?', a film and mobile exhibition created by using voices and experiences from the community. Elaine Lister and Fiona Martin will work on a special project Luton at Heart exploring the experiences of people recovering from heart attacks. SIG Penrose Roots will work with Elizabeth Aldous to run sustainable fashion and natural dyeing craft workshops to support those on mental health recovery. Women's Aid in Luton and Priya Ramkisson will come together for creative and small business sessions for women with complex support needs. Sculpture project Lugus Ceramics will create a permanent sensory garden installation. Luton Urban Radio and The Peter Honegan Band will put on an event celebrating Windrush Day and Father's Day through music, art and wellbeing messages. Denbigh Primary School alongside musicians, poets, and sound artists will capture sounds and spoken word to create an immersive digital artwork. Students on Pupil Premium will get the chance to join an after-school arts club with Pioneer Learning Trust and Lucy from Opal Arts. Sophie Gresswell's The Perpendicular Poetry Prize will be expanded with the competition now including workshops, events and two new anthologies. Aaron Spendelow will be supported by the fund on his suitcase theatre programme that helps primary and SEND pupils create stories, puppets and perform. Communities 1st/Trestle Theatre Company's drama-led A drama‑based Continuing Professional Development programme will support teachers to develop inclusive speech and language approaches for their students. Councillor Hazel Simmons, Leader of Luton Council, said: "Creativity is part of Luton's DNA. The Evolution Fund backs ideas that grow from our neighbourhoods, our histories and our communities. These projects are full of imagination, courage and local pride. They show the impact that's possible when people are supported to tell their stories."