ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

Currently undertaking a national programme of direct engagement following his installation as CEO in April, Mr Henley will be attending a meeting with the Board for the Strategic Arts Council Fund for Luton on the same day, which will be hosted at the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½.

Recently ranked 29th for overall satisfaction in the country for creative arts courses in the National Student Survey, a full day of activities have been planned to showcase the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½’s outstanding art facilities.

This includes a visit to Alexon House, formerly owned by fashion label Alexon and now home to the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½’s School of Art and Design. The building boasts: a digital studio with laser cutters and 3D printers; a photographic studio and darkroom facilities; numerous workshop areas; dedicated studio spaces and open plan studios.

Mr Henley will also get a tour of the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½’s TV production studio, newsroom and studios where the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½’s students get a taste of what it is like to work in the fast-paced world of media production.

Next stop on the tour will be the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½’s Judith Blake Theatre which hosts a packed programme of theatre, dance, new media, poetry/spoken word, music and family events, including a number of student productions. There is also the opportunity to view the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½’s gallery spaces and art installations.

Commenting on the visit Professor Helen Bailey, Executive Dean of Centre for Academic Partnerships at the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ said: “We are delighted to be hosting Darren Henley and his team from and to show exactly why we are a top 30 ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ in the country for creative arts courses.”

During his visit Darren Henley will also be meeting with the Chief Executive of Luton Borough Council, Trevor Holden; the Chair of Luton Culture, David Rawson and ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½’s Vice Chancellor, Bill Rammell, who make up the Board of the Strategic Arts Council Fund for Luton.