Centre

UK Centre for Carnival Arts

In early 2008 the UK Centre for Carnival Arts will open its doors. Embracing the inclusive spirit of the Luton Carnival, the centre will become an expression of the living, breathing and evolving spirit of carnival arts. There will be a performance space, with seating for 250 people where artists and musicians can showcase their talent. In the teaching and workshop spaces people from all walks of life, united by a love of carnival, will be able to meet and share knowledge and resources. Our staff will also be available to share their wealth of knowledge and encourage best practice in areas ranging from costume making, business skills and music development.

The café will be a thriving hub of conversation where carnival cuisine will be served all year round. Here caterers can build on their skills by gaining experience of best practice by working in a regulated health and safety environment.

In the créche, children will be indulged in carnival arts, inspiring them to continue and evolve their talents for the future.

The centre will be a focal point for the incubation of future carnival stars. Here we will be able to support artists and small business through advice about best practice, support in gaining funding or just an inspiring chat with our pioneering staff.

There will be a display area where the beauty of carnival art can be showed off and a resource centre which will hold the National Carnival Archive: "Carnival Essence". Carnival Essence explores the role of carnival in Luton and the broader national and international significance of this cultural and political force The project documents and celebrates the roots of carnival and the diversity of the Luton Carnival over the last 30 years, through newspaper cuttings, oral histories, a specially commissioned film and a collection of carnival materials form flyers and photos to sketches and t-shirts.

The centre will be the crossroads where business and carnival can meet and exchange ideas, where business can be encouraged and artists nurtured. The centre will reflect the inclusive and diverse spirit of a cultural movement in the UK which has, over the last thirty years, established itself as a force that brings people together and allows individuals and communities to express their creativity and celebrate their freedom.

 

LCADT, The Hat Factory, 65-67 Bute Street, Luton LU1 2EY.
Tel: 01582 876 084