Building the Power of Carnival is a new exploratory project to be shaped with and by London’s Carnival sector.
We are inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from up to five people or organisations across the Carnival sector in London to join the Steering Group to guide the project.
About the Project
Building the Power of Carnival aims to:
- Build a shared understanding of the current landscape
- Gather insight on key challenges, strengths and opportunities
- Explore potential areas for future collaboration and support
- Consolidate perspectives and create a forward plan outlining recommendations to support sector resilience
This project will be owned and shaped by London’s Carnival sector. A Steering Group consisting of London-based Carnival practitioners will appoint and support an independent Carnival Specialist, who will facilitate the process.
The project is funded by Arts Council England (ACE), London, and OutdoorArtsUK (OAUK) is providing administrative and coordination support for this project as an impartial management organisation. OAUK has been appointed due to being an Investment Principle Support Organisation for outdoor performances.
This approach aims to ensure the work remains Carnival-led, independently shaped and grounded in lived experience.
This project is not a pre-defined programme or strategy, but a process shaped with and by the sector in London.
Project Approach
The project will take place in three flexible and responsive stages:
Stage 1: Listening and Engagement (June 2026 – Jan 2027)
Engagement with a wide cross-section of London’s Carnival sector through interviews, conversations, roundtables, accessible surveys and other formats to gather insight and lived experience.
Stage 2: Reflection and Exploration (Feb 2027 – May 2027)
Working with the Steering Group and the sector in London to reflect on key themes emerging and explore potential areas for collaboration or practical activity.
Stage 3: Sharing Learning and Next Steps (May 2027 – June 2027)
Bringing together insights, perspectives and relevant partners.
The Role of the Steering Group
The Steering Group will help ensure the project is:
- informed and shaped by London’s Carnival sector
- culturally grounded and relevant
- open, transparent and trusted
Members will:
- share lived experience and sector knowledge
- help shape how the project engages with the sector
- reflect on emerging insights and themes
- provide constructive challenge and feedback
- review draft outputs to ensure they are accessible and sector-relevant
The Steering Group is advisory and does not make funding or policy decisions.
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome expressions of interest from individuals across London’s Carnival sector, including:
- Mas / costume design / band leadership
- Steelpan music, steel orchestras and other traditional carnival-related music
- Sound systems / DJ culture
- Carnival arts practitioners (including dance, performance and choreography)
- Carnival production, organising or event leadership
At least 1 member with experience in education/training of young people is required to be part of the Steering Group.
The group will reflect:
- A mix of established leaders and emerging practitioners
- A range of London Carnivals and communities
- A balance of creative, cultural and operational expertise
- A range of perspectives and lived experience
- A balance of regional and national perspective of Carnival
We are particularly keen to receive EOI from Artists, especially those with a track record of working strategically in the development of Carnival artforms.
Selection criteria include:
- Professional and lived experience
- Sector knowledge
- Aspect of the sector an individual is representing
- Geographical location of work
- Ability to work collegiately and impartially for the benefit of the overall Carnival sector in London
Appointments will be made by a panel of Carnival practitioners from outside London, who will review EOIs and conduct interviews online. This external panel ensures an impartial process and allows London based practitioners full opportunity to apply.
Meetings & Payment
- Approx. 5 meetings across the project (May 2026 – June 2027)
- Each meeting approx. 2 hours
- Meetings held online or in accessible London locations
- Fee: £125 per meeting
- Access needs will be supported
For full details, please see the draft Terms of Reference.
How to Express Interest
- Please submit a short Expression of Interest responding to the following questions:
- What professional and lived experience of Carnival would you bring to the Steering Group?
- What areas of Carnival do you think could be strengthened and why is this important?
- Why you would like to join the Steering Group
Please also state any relevant access needs you would like us to consider for the interview process.
Optional formats
You can submit your Expression of Interest as:
- Written document (Word, PDF, or email) – 1–2 pages of A4
- Audio or video recording – 2–5 minutes
Short, informal submissions are welcome. We are interested in your voice and experience, not polished presentation.
If you would like to submit in another format, please contact us:
📧 info@outdoorartsuk.org
📞 07366 146389
How to Submit
Submit to: info@outdoorartsuk.org
Deadline: 10am, Tue 5th May 2026
