The Vision

The next five years offers a wealth of opportunity for carnivals, artists and communities within the both the Cultural Olympiad and the International Island Games, which in 2011 will be hosted by the Isle of Wight. The Carnival Learning Centre aims to position itself as a leader in skills development and training to meet these opportunities, working both locally and nationally with strategic partners to maximise the impact and legacy of these programmes.

Mission Statement

Aims to promote excellence in learning and raise achievement for adults and young people using the medium of carnival and celebratory arts.

What do we mean by carnival?

Carnival history is embedded in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Today it reflects influences from all around the world, promoting diversity, community cohesion and equality.

It manifests in a vibrant and colourful range of artforms including masquerade and constructed floats, samba and steel pan, calypso and soca music, stilt walking and circus skills, drums and dance, pyrotechnics and new media.

The carnival learning centre recognises the behind-the-scenes role played by event managers, stewards, welfare, technicians, tutors, filmmakers and archivists and will support the enhancement of skills in these areas alongside the creative learning programme.

In order to meet its aims the carnival learning centre will

• Provide an all year round programme of workshops, training courses, events and exhibitions that engage the learner at all levels.
• Deliver an outreach programme in rural areas by means of its mobile unit - the Carnival Truck.
• Provide space and facilities for carnival artists to experiment and create new work
• Stage at least two carnival events annually which create a showcase for local and visiting artists work
• Create opportunities for international touring and visiting artists/exchanges.
• Support regional and national carnival development by working in partnership with other arts organisations and creative partners.
• Embrace latest technologies and innovation to pursue excellence in the field
• Promote business development and opportunities within the sector