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

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 Responsibilities

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.

Useful Links

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

How to Apply

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.

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:

📧 [email protected]

📞 07366 146389

How to Submit 
Submit to: [email protected]
Deadline: 10am,  Tue 5th May 2026

About OutdoorArtsUK

OutdoorArtsUK is an ACE-funded national membership and strategic organisation that brings together the many diverse parts of the outdoor performance sector. OAUK celebrates the amazing work, talent and achievements of the individuals, companies and organisations working in this most accessible of art forms.
OAUK advocates across cultural, governmental and funding arenas and provides practical information on good working practices and advice and guidance for new and experienced practitioners.

Find out more