Carnival Masterclass 2023 - Costume Design and Construction
Join us for our Carnival Masterclass 2023, exploring costume design and construction techniques.
Saturday 4 March, 10 am - 4 pm, UKCCA, 3 St Marys Rd, Luton, LU1 3JA
10 am - 1 pm
Introduction to structures - Join Steven Hoyte, UKCCA Senior Artist, master frame builder and Director of Rampage Mas Band, the UK’s leading touring carnival group. Explore backpacks and frames and wire work that have made large scale costumes in carnival world famous.
1 pm - 2 pm
Lunch
2 pm - 4 pm
Make your own silk painted sun-catcher - Join Derby based silk painting artist Donna Fox to make hand painted silk sun-catchers for carnival. Explore the theme of "coast to coast" using hot wax batik and silk dye techniques.
Donna’s taster session has been made possible due to Arts Councils England's National Lottery Project Grants, which Donna has been successful in obtaining for her wider international project and UK tour. You will see some of her unique silk painted flags and site decorations exhibited alongside your creative designs on carnival day.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided, please let us know of any dietary requirements.
Spaces for the Masterclass are limited so please register your interest by completing the online form below.
Sunday 5 March, 10 am - 6 pm (optional), UKCCA, 3 St Marys Rd, Luton, LU1 3JA
You are welcome to continue working on any pieces you started on Saturday or join one of the carnival groups in producing their costumes, and experience our informal Mas Camp.
FAQs
What is a Masterclass?
Carnival masterclasses are an opportunity to learn new skills by working with professional carnival artitsts with differnernt specialisms. All equipment and materials are provided giving you the opportunity to try new things and experiment. By the end of the day you will have produced small test pieces or the beginning of something fantastic.
Who is a Masterclass for?
Anyone 16 + who has an interest in learning carnival art skills.
Professional artists of any visual arts discipline.
Amateur artists and crafters.
Art and design students
Teachers
Where will it be held?
At our studio space at, UKCCA, 3 St Marys Rd, Luton, LU1 3JA
How much does it cost?
The masterclass is free thanks to the support from Luton International Carnival’s primary funder Luton Rising, other UKCCA funders Royal Opera House Bridge and Arts Council England.
Do I need to have existing visual arts skills?
Yes, but there is no specific level required, carnival welcomes all levels.
What can I do after the Masterclass?
You will be invited back for a second optional day to join Mas Camp, giving you the opportunity to finish pieces you are working on or come and help existing carnival groups work on their costumes.
We have volunteering opportunities from March - May 2023 to help with costume and float making in preparation for Luton International Carnival 2023.
If you are self employed with a UTR number you can join our pool of freelance artists and workshop assistants who work on our school and community projects through the year.
What is Mas Camp?
Mas Camp is our weekly open studio sessions for groups to make their costumes and floats for Luton International Carnival. They run Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am - 6 pm from March to May.