Expressions of Interest to join the Steering Group for Building the Power of Carnival

  • Contract
  • London

OutdoorArtsUK


Job Summary

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.

Job Description

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.

Job Requirements

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

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

Who We’re Looking For
– 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

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Expressions of Interest to join the Steering Group for Building the Power of Carnival
  • Salary: Under £10K
  • Hours:
    Full time
  • Artform: Combined arts
  • Role: Research
  • Contract: Contract
  • Closing date: Tue, 05 May 2026

  • Location:

    London

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