Hat District Luton

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We've refurbished 3 hat factories for new creative workspaces, retail + more arts and cultural events. We're breathing new life into Luton's Hat District.
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Looking for new creative workspace? Ask for more info about co-working at Hat Works.

14/10/2026

We're hiring: Luton Arts Support Administrator

Interested in digital content, social media, graphic design or video? Culture Trust Luton is recruiting for an entry-level role supporting Luton Arts Support and its work with local creatives.

The role offers practical experience in digital communications and promotional content, alongside supporting programme activities.

No degree or formal qualifications are required. We're looking for someone organised, digitally confident, creative and keen to learn.

Role details

£25,614 pro rata

3 days a week

Fixed term to 31 March 2027

Based at Hat Works, 47 Guildford Street, Luton

We particularly welcome applications from people underrepresented in the creative sector.

Closing date: Monday 19 October 2026, at 10.00 am.

Full job description and application details:
https://www.culturetrust.com/venueshat-district-creative-workspaces/work-us

25/09/2026

Last night we celebrated the launch of UNFOLD, the University of Bedfordshire’s 2026 MA Art and Design Degree Show, presented in partnership with Luton Culture Trust.

Five graduating MA students are bringing together very different approaches to making and research, including photography, collage, print, sculpture, installation, video and digital practice.

The exhibition is spread across two Luton venues.

At the University of Bedfordshire’s Alexon Building, visitors can see the wider exhibition, including sculptural and 3D work, until 1 October.

Just around the corner, the Long Gallery at Hat Factory Arts Centre presents work by all five students, including Lauren Saunders Love’s original photographic and 2D works, alongside framed works by the other students. This part of the exhibition continues until 24 October.

The launch brought together students, university staff, alumni, artists, local audiences and guests including the Mayor of Luton, Councillor Javed Hussain, and Rachel Hopkins MP for Luton South and South Bedfordshire.

Following the opening at Alexon Building, the evening continued at Hat Factory Café, where each of the five artists gave a short presentation about their practice before an informal gathering and networking.

It was a good example of what collaboration between education, culture and the local creative sector can make possible: giving emerging artists a professional platform, introducing new work to local audiences and creating opportunities for people to connect around creative practice.

This is also part of a wider programme of support from Luton Culture Trust and the Creative Industry Network, connecting emerging and established creative talent with spaces, audiences and opportunities across the town.

UNFOLD is now open. Come and see the work.

Alexon Building, University of Bedfordshire — until 1 October
Long Gallery, Hat Factory Arts Centre — until 24 October

24/09/2026

A look back at our Emerging Talent Exhibition, presented at The Long Gallery and across Hat Factory Arts Centre this summer.

The exhibition brought together work by students from universities and colleges across Luton, spanning illustration, drawing, painting, photography, design and more.

Missed the exhibition? Explore a selection of the work in our online gallery on the Hat District website.

VIEW THE ONLINE GALLERY on the Hat District website.

Discover the emerging creative talent behind the exhibition.

24/09/2026

A look back at our Emerging Talent Exhibition, presented at The Long Gallery and across Hat Factory Arts Centre this summer.

The exhibition brought together work by students from universities and colleges across Luton, spanning illustration, drawing, painting, photography, design and more.

Missed the exhibition? Explore a selection of the work in our online gallery on the Hat District website.

VIEW THE ONLINE GALLERY: https://hatdistrict.co.uk/emerging-talent-open-call

Discover the emerging creative talent behind the exhibition.

23/09/2026

DOUBLE BILL THIS THURSDAY

Join us at the Hat Factory on Thursday 24 September for two exhibition events in one evening.

4PM | UNFOLD: University of Bedfordshire Masters Degree Show
The evening begins at the Alexon Building with the launch of this year’s Masters Degree Show, showcasing the work of graduating MA students.

6PM | Hat Factory Arts Centre
Continue into the Hat District for student presentations, a get-together and the second part of the UNFOLD exhibition.

6–9PM | Luton at Heart: Closing Celebration
Also at the Hat Factory, join the closing celebration of Life, Loved & Lived: Stories of Recovery & Renewal, including a live performance of The Beat Goes On by Elaine Lister at 7PM. Spaces are limited.

Two exhibitions, one evening across the Hat District.

17/09/2026

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS AT THE HAT DISTRICT

There's plenty to see across the Hat District during Heritage Open Days.

WRITTEN HERE
Long Gallery, Hat Factory
11–22 September

A community exhibition featuring short pieces of writing about Luton, submitted by people of all ages and backgrounds.

BEHIND THE SEAMS
Hat House
Selected dates, 10am–4pm

Discover a selection of fascinating objects from The Culture Trust's women's fashion collection, uncovered through a volunteer-led inventory.

CHALK WANDERINGS
Hat Works
See the exhibition and meet artist Abi Spendlove on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

And join us on Friday 18 September, 5–7pm for an evening of viewings and conversation across the Hat District.

Free to visit.
Book here: https://www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/written-here-viewing-get-together

16/09/2026

BEHIND THE SEAMS

What can a dress, a hat or an ornamental fan tell us about the past?

Behind the Seams: Secrets from the Women's Fashion Collection gives a glimpse into some of the fascinating objects held in The Culture Trust's museum collections.

The exhibition brings together a small selection chosen by volunteers who have been auditing and photographing the collections throughout 2026.

Hat House, 32 Guildford Street
Free, drop in

See it during Heritage Open Days:
Friday 11 | Saturday 12 | Monday 14 | Wednesday 16 | Friday 18 September
10am–4pm

On Friday 18 September, the exhibition will also stay open later as part of our evening programme

16/09/2026

CHALK WANDERINGS

Luton-based artist Abi Spendlove has been exploring the town's rare chalk landscape through drawing, art, maps and community stories.

Chalk Wanderings has remained on display at Hat Works for Heritage Open Days, and Abi will be there Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Come and see the exhibition and find out more about the project from the artist.

Hat Works, Bute Street
Free to visit

16/09/2026

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS – FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER

Join us for an evening of exhibitions and conversation across the Hat District.

5pm
Written Here
Long Gallery, Hat Factory

5.30pm
Behind the Seams: Secrets from the Women's Fashion Collection
Hat House basement

6pm
Chalk Wanderings
In conversation with artist Abi Spendlove
Hat Works

5–7pm | Friday 18 September
Free and open to all.

Book your free place: https://www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/written-here-viewing-get-together

15/09/2026

FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER
WHAT'S ON IN THE HAT DISTRICT
There's plenty happening across the Hat District this Friday.

From a museum collection exhibition and community writing to an artist conversation, film, comedy and a night of soul, there's something happening throughout the day and into the evening.

10AM–4PM
BEHIND THE SEAMS
Secrets from the Women's Fashion Collection
Exhibition
A glimpse into fascinating objects from The Culture Trust's museum collections, uncovered through a volunteer-led inventory.

5–7PM
WRITTEN HERE: VIEWING & GET-TOGETHER
Exhibition + artist conversation
View the Written Here community exhibition, visit Behind the Seams, then join Abi Spendlove for a conversation about Chalk Wanderings.

6.30PM–1AM
SOUL CINÉ
Film in Perspective: Queen of Soca + Short Film
Film, DJ and after-party

7.30PM
COMEDY BAR
Comedy
An evening of stand-up hosted by resident MC Jake Pickford.

9PM–1AM
BOUTIQUE SOUL
Club night
An eclectic night of soul music from the past and present.

https://loom.ly/6CnKoK8

Address

47 Guildford Street
Luton
LU12NQ

Telephone

01582547470

Website

http://www.hatdistrict.co.uk/

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