visual arts and exhibitions

'33' housed a small studio space, which was used both by individual visual artists and as a space for the centre’s own work. The gallery at '33' enabled the showing of work by local people and cutting edge artists. 

Monthly exhibitions and installations were organised by the photographer and curator Adam Geary, followed by Caroline Jones (now Wallace). Geary’s work included poster and billboard projects that appeared throughout the town on social issues of the time. 

The gallery also acted as a regional hub, and artists groups developed such as the Bedfordshire Photography Group, and the Centre Group. The café programmed work, giving opportunities to young artists such as Elizabeth Taylor, Hugh Byrne, and Tony Hough. The café was also taken over by the regular 'First Sunday of the Month' exhibitions, administered by artist Gerald Kent Wood.

Programmes included: 

  • The 1993 Calendar Project, funded by the Arts Council and involving over 50 Luton-based creatives working alongside artists Hugh Byrne and Tony Hough collectively to create the Zodiac-themed artwork.

  • Marcus Cole and Susan Taylors 'How far is Luton from the Sea'.

  • Alison Marchant’s wallpaper history on the Match Women’s Strike.

  • Graham Harwood, founder of Mongrel, who also created a mural with young people at Youth House Luton.

  • Amelia Burke, who showed imaginative prints on the theme of food.

  • Dominic Allan aka Dominic from Luton, who programmed various exhibitions.

  • An important exhibition from Ray Smith, 'Tiananmen', following her visit to China.

  • Many regular photography exhibitions, supported by use of the in-house darkroom facilities.