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 University.

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 University’s outstanding art facilities.

This includes a visit to Alexon House, formerly owned by fashion label Alexon and now home to the University’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 University’s TV production studio, newsroom and Radio LaB studios where the University’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 University’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 University’s gallery spaces and art installations.

Commenting on the visit Professor Helen Bailey, Executive Dean of Centre for Academic Partnerships at the University said: “We are delighted to be hosting Darren Henley and his team from Arts Council England and to show exactly why we are a top 30 University 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 University of Bedfordshire’s Vice Chancellor, Bill Rammell, who make up the Board of the Strategic Arts Council Fund for Luton.