RJC Dance and Mango Arts’ Sustainable & Green Carnival Arts Symposium took place at the Mandela Centre, Chapeltown and bought together an eclectic mix of international artists and cultural practitioners, with global representation and a shared passion for the future of Carnival Arts.
The programme brought together perspectives from the UK, the Caribbean, Africa and Latin America. Guests and speakers included:
- Rhian Kempadoo Millar, Mango Arts
- Kathy Williams MBE OLY, RJC Dance
- Pax Nindi, Global Carnivalz and Junkanew TV
- Mariana Pinho, Sustenta Carnaval, Brazil
- Claudette Whittingham and Steven Hoyte, UK Centre for Carnival Arts
- Dr Arthur France MBE, founder of Leeds West Indian Carnival
- Angela Chappell, Arts Council England
- Danii McLetchie, Carnicycle, Trinidad and Tobago
- Jenny Rose Barber & Sandra Whyles, Mango Arts & Independent Artists
Through conversations, short films and panel discussions, including youth voices, the symposium explored practical approaches to greener costumes, materials and production.
Conversations around sustainability also focussed on supporting the people who will carry green Carnival Arts forward. Passing on skills, making space for youth voices and connecting generations are vital to keeping traditions alive. Bringing specialists with varied experiences into the same conversation helped us consider what we can learn from one another, share resources and knowledge and how we can put that learning into practice. This event was an important starting point, with plenty more to explore together.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Mandela Centre, and to our partners, speakers and contributors for sharing their time and ideas. Thank you to the Arts Council England.
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