The Foyle Foundation Artist Development Programme

The Foyle Foundation Artist Development Programme was launched in September 2023.  The programme supports artists to develop their carnival arts and creative knowledge and skills. The programme also provides arts administration and business support so the participants can become established working artists.  

This year’s mentoring support will be provided by world renowned Artists and UKCCA Artist’s in Residence Melissa Simon-Hartman. The participants receive a programme of masterclasses, 1:1 support and independent working at our studio space at UKCCA, and also visit renowned carnival artists across the UK to learn about the various carnival arts practices to develop and refine their costume design and making skills. 

Melissa will be supported by the UKCCA’s Assistant Artist and UKCCA’s Technical Support Officer.

As part of the UKCCA's continuing commitment to sustainable ways of working, costume creation methods and GREEN Carnival, Melissa will focus, on her specialism, in the creation of sustainable costumes.

Participants will practice and embed their skills through live briefs via the Luton Carnival 2025 mas camp, assisting local community groups to create costumes for the parade, and put what they have learned into practice by each creating a large costume that will be showcased in the Luton Carnival 2025 parade. The artists will be given the opportunity to Tour with Carnival Costume Band partners, throughout the UK.

UKCCA would like to thank the Foyle Foundation for it’s second year of supporting this vital programme which helps to consolidate and sustain the carnival arts sector, helping us to develop more artists to continue to deliver the world's greatest art form. 

We would also like to thank the 2024 Artist cohort

Chauniter Irish Downes

Debbie Gibbs

Glenis Ashton

Maureen Scarlett

Ruth Reid

Funded by