Arts Council England has today (Tuesday) announced that 2 organisations on the Isle of Wight will be part of the National Portfolio – the collection of leading arts and cultural organisations that receive regular funding from the Arts Council.
The New Carnival Company in Ryde and Shademakers in Wroxall will both be included in the portfolio for the next funding period, from 2018-22, a decision that reflects their exceptional contribution to the National Portfolio over the last 3 years. They are among 103 organisations in the South West that will be in the Arts Council’s National Portfolio for the next 4 years.
The Isle of Wight is home to some of the UK’s oldest carnivals, and the Arts Council’s investment of £500,000 recognises the Island’s commitment to the carnival arts organisations that have established its place on the nation’s cultural map.
The New Carnival Company is a leader in the field of carnival and disability and excels in supporting young people to enter the creative workforce. Led by Frankie Goldsmith and Chris Slann, The NCC deliver an extensive community outreach and carnival arts training programme which has its roots on the Island, but extends internationally. The New Carnival Company also organise the annual summer Mardi Gras.
Shademakers is one of Europe’s leading carnival arts companies. Well-known for their spectacular and unforgettable shows, they are regulars at the local Bestival as well as at festivals across the world. Shademakers also provides training in carnival arts and event production from its base at the Castleworks Factory.
Phil Gibby, Arts Council England’s Area Director for the South West, said:
“This is an exceptionally strong portfolio of organisations delivering great arts and cultural experiences to audiences throughout the South West.
“The Isle of Wight provides unique expertise in carnival arts, and we are delighted to be renewing our funding for the New Carnival Company and Shademakers, who present exciting and complementary offers for both production of, and education in, the art of carnival. The work they do benefits not only local residents but those across England, as well as international audiences”.
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