The number thirteen may be unlucky for some but not for the hat Factory’s incubation project Headstart . . .
The number thirteen may be unlucky for some but not for the hat Factory’s incubation project Headstart, which celebrates the first anniversary of its official launch on 13 May 2006. The project run by Integria Limited offers local arts and creative businesses access to three gallery spaces, training, business advice and support, project desks, multi-media and print equipment as well as providing a much-needed centrally-located office base to help enterprises to flourish.
Established with almost £1million of support from agencies including the European Regional Development Fund, Luton Borough Council, Arts Council England and Integria Limited, this groundbreaking project has had an amazing first year and the project now comprises over 200 Luton-based clients with another 40 from the Bedfordshire region, working across a huge range of arenas and disciplines.
The project has successfully supported new Luton-based sci-fi author Abdul Ahad, whose Headstart-facilitated first novel “First Ark to Alpha Centauri” became an Amazon top 10 bestseller, and contemporary oil painter Kim Smith whose career has been hugely boosted not only by the support of the project, but also by exhibiting at the project’s gallery. Headstart has also put its best foot forward in facilitating nationally profiled Luton-based African dance and arts organisation Osagyefo, and has been instrumental in the great success of theatre company Khayaal whose cutting edge theatrical approach to classical Muslim literature is fast gaining international acclaim.
Other successes include Headstart client and partner Perry Louis with his popular weekly Sunday Jazz Jams nights, and seasoned singer-songwriter Graham Robins of the Modest Music Group who recorded his new album “Roll back the years” using the project’s recording studio time at the hat Factory. The project has also supported web and graphic designers, a record label, bands, film production companies and many more.
The first year has also seen a huge range of successful Headstart events, from the hugely popular Jam Nights (with 100+ people performing and attending every other Wednesday) to weekend craft fairs and gallery exhibitions.
New, in 2006 is Headstart 2, a sister project offering creative training opportunities to local and regional companies in key disciplines including sound engineering, songwriting, dance, Photoshop CS2, and computer music editing. Course dates will soon be confirmed, however, clients can register their interest in a course by downloading a free sign up form from www.headstartproject.org or by calling the training hotline on 01582 878 207 or email Elena@headstartproject.org.
The Headstart gallery will also be ready to re-open its doors in July with a new art installation from nationally recognised Luton-born sculptor Dominic Allan.
Andy Grays, strategic manager – arts said: “In only one year, the Headstart project has proved that it can really help new cultural business to get ahead, and as the project begins it’s second year, any new creative business should really consider getting a Headstart at the hat Factory.”
For more information on the Headstart Project please contact project co-ordinator James Rangel on 01582 417878, email info@headstartproject.org or visit www.headstartproject.org
