Bussing Out: A Policy that Dispersed Immigrant Children from Inner-city Schools.
This spring, Revoluton Arts welcomed to Luton the arrival of Bussing Out, a powerful and immersive installation by Theatre in The Mill. Written and directed by Artistic Director Dr Shabina Aslam, the exhibition sheds light on a largely overlooked chapter of British history: the Government-led ‘bussing’ policy (1965–1976) that dispersed children of immigrant families from inner-city communities to predominantly white, rural schools.
Through a reimagined school bus installation, Bussing Out combines evocative audio-visual storytelling with real testimonies and reconstructed memories. Rooted in the PhD research of artist and researcher Shabina Aslam, the project centres the voices of those who lived through forced dispersal, while drawing connections to contemporary conversations around race, identity, belonging and power.
Dr Shabina Aslam, writer and director of Bussing Out and Artistic Director at Theatre in The Mill, said:
‘‘It is fantastic to take Bussing Out around the country. When people have experienced the installation, they are shocked and surprised that something like that could have happened. People are moved, but some of the stories are also funny. Bussing Out started as a passion project for me, so it is wonderful that it now has a momentum of its own, with a national tour.”
Helen Featherstone, Director, England North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“We’re delighted to support this tour of Bussing Out thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. The story behind the practice of Bussing Out is still largely untold, and it is an important part of Bradford’s multicultural heritage. We are pleased to fund this project to explore and share the lives and experiences of those affected by it.”
Revoluton Arts was honoured to present this important work in collaboration with Theatre in The Mill, ensuring that these vital oral histories are shared with new audiences. Alongside the installation, a programme of free public workshops and dedicated school sessions offered further opportunities for creative exploration and dialogue. Visitors were invited to step inside, reflect and engage in a deeply personal and contemplative space.
Lindsey Pugh, CEO and Creative Director, Revoluton Arts, had said:
“We’re excited to be working with Theatre in The Mill to bring this powerful work to Luton. It is so important for this history to be shared. The stories and narrative behind this installation are so relevant and may resonate on a deeply personal level for Luton’s communities – some of whom may have lived experience of this Government policy of old. We hope this will mark the beginning of future creative conversations with Theatre in The Mill, connecting Luton and their home city of Bradford.”
Shemiza Rashid, Exhibition Facilitator at Bussing Out Luton, had this to say:
“The power of public art. It was an extraordinary experience cleverly created. I’m ashamed to admit it was a part of British migrant history I knew nothing about until facilitating the exhibition. So grateful to have participated and shared the knowledge with the public.”
Bussing Out in Luton opened to the public from Saturday 20 April to Saturday 2 May at Frasers Plus Mall (formerly Luton Point) from 10:00 to 16:00 on most days. The free workshops happened on 21, 22, 28 & 30 April 2026, usually from 10:30 or 13:00.