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 group will reflect: Selection criteria include: Who We're Looking For 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 Steering Group 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. We are particularly keen to receive EOI from Artists, especially those with a track record of working strategically in the development of Carnival artforms. Please submit a short Expression of Interest responding to the following questions: You can submit your Expression of Interest as: 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: 📧 [email protected] 📞 07366 146389 How to Submit Job Summary
Job Description
Job Requirements
- 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
- 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
- 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 Responsibilities
Useful Links
How to Apply
-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.
- Written document (Word, PDF, or email) – 1–2 pages of A4
- Audio or video recording – 2–5 minutes
Submit to: [email protected]
Deadline: 10am,  Tue 5th May 2026