Norfolk is leading the way in the arts as two key organisations from the county have been tasked with helping to boost Luton's cultural scene.

Eastern Daily Press: SeaChange Arts performing in the sunshine at the Out There International Festival of Circus and Street Acts in Great Yarmouth.Picture by SIMON FINLAY.SeaChange Arts performing in the sunshine at the Out There International Festival of Circus and Street Acts in Great Yarmouth.Picture by SIMON FINLAY.

Norwich Arts Centre and Great Yarmouth-based Seachange Arts have been appointed as creative producers for the Bedfordshire town. For the next three years they will work with other organisations on the project which aims to focus on engaging audiences in Luton and expanding opportunities for local artists and touring work. The creative producer role is part of the Luton Investment Programme which has received a total of £1.5m in funding from Arts Council England.

Norwich Arts Centre's director, Pasco-Q Kevlin, said the appointment was a great compliment and that he hoped to share the venue's success and experience and form valuable partnerships that would benefit both areas.

'It's a huge compliment for Norwich Arts Centre and also for Seachange Arts,' he said. 'We have been working really hard over the last few years to position ourselves so that people have confidence in what we are doing.

'We are only a small organisation but we have really big ambitions to see more and create more. Culture is really important.

'Luton is at a really exciting point in its cultural development and we are thrilled to be part of it. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with local cultural colleagues, artists and audiences, we'll establish a programme of arts and culture that excites and inspires everyone in equal measure.'

Joe Mackintosh, Seachange Arts chief executive, added: 'Seachange will be looking to utilise our experience of indoor and outdoor programming, artist and audience engagement, most notably seen in our annual Out There Festival, to bring high quality cultural activities to residents in Luton...

'This project in Luton is another step forward in profiling Seachange as a one of the country's leading outdoor street arts and circus producers.'

Marie Kirbyshaw, chief executive of Luton Culture, welcomed Norwich Arts Centre and Seachange Arts to the 'exceptionally committed arts community here in Luton' while Michael McMahon, service director for community living in Luton Borough Council, said the creative producer role 'will ensure there is a lasting legacy for performers and audiences for generations to come.'

Do you have a Norwich arts story? Email arts correspondent Emma Knights at emma.knights@archant.co.uk