LTN Makers will provide teachers from across Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire with a platform to practice art and to network and collaborate with colleagues, all at the School of Art and Design – a former factory in Luton, which has been transformed into a chic learning environment.

The network was launched at the School on Guildford Street, at an event where teachers were treated to a showcase of potential logo designs created by second year BA (hons) Advertising Design students. The logo will be used as the visual identity for the network.

Teachers were then offered the opportunity to pick the winning logo (designed by Calum Lee Hee Shiong) and screen print this onto a bag – embedding the practical element of the network. This will culminate in an exhibition of the teachers work in the gallery space later in the year.

Part of the vision of the University’s School of Art and Design is to embed art within the community of Luton.

And Colin Davies, Head of School, said: “We need to work in partnership with local schools to provide a positive and coordinated pathway into the creative arts for students locally and internationally. This innovative project will provide exactly that.”

LTN Makers was developed when the University’s Access Partnership team identified a need through discussions with local schools.

“Local teachers rarely get the chance to meet other teachers beyond their schools and to see what local universities can offer their students,” said Jon Rainford, Access Partnership Support Officer.

“This network gives teachers the chance to meet both teachers and university staff to ensure they can support their students on the path to success.”

Representatives from Luton Culture were among the guests at the event and Caroline Simon, Luton Culture Learning Manager, said she was in favour of the project.

She said: “From the first meeting we had, the network promises to be a really good way to meet secondary art teachers and discuss the development of the arts and culture in Luton.”