Graphic Novel For Luton

March 2020 – June 2022

Nicole Mollett | Karl Brown| Lee Nelson | Rae Leaver| Victoria Hayford| Lizzy Fretwell | Lesley McKenna| Haneefah Muhammad | Shana Iqbal | Stephen Whiting | Andy Kingston | Jennifer Bibby| Lizzy Chapman| Neil Fox |Simon Cleary

 

Graphic novel for Luton was a collaborative project, based on real-life experiences of people who live in Luton. Artist Nicole Mollett invited local writers to collaborate with her to make a collection of hand drawn stories about Luton. The project engaged communities, celebrated diversity, and encouraged intercultural connection, cohesion and empathy, through the accessible medium that is visual story-telling. There was a series of public workshops run in collaboration with the Colour the Town Luton-based artist collective.

This multi-perspective graphic novel offers a window into everyday lives for wider audiences, giving a platform for expression of identity, aspiration and hope for the future of Luton. The project broke down barriers between different communities, by creating a safe context in which to discuss shared interests and ambitions for their home town. The artwork is funded by Arts Council England and Luton Arts Fund. Graphic Novel for Luton featured on national BBC news programme and inside local press. The exhibition was extended during the pandemic and there was a digital schools engagement programme being led by the Luton Cultural Education partnership.

The exhibition was a double shop window display in the Mall in Luton. The exhibition was on view for over 2 years in Unit 5/6 Gallery Level, The Mall, LUTON, LU1 2TW

There was a launch event on the 7th March 2020, just before the first Lockdown. Several of the writers performed to the audience spoken word and reading from the publication. Here are a few examples, there are more performances on youtube, if you click on the profile link.