Plans to develop Britain?s first dedicated centre for carnival arts have been kickstarted by the award of £1.5m of capital Lottery funding. The £5.5m project will be based in Luton and will offer an interactive archive alongside workshop and performance spaces and a recording studio for steelpan orchestras.
Negotiations are also under way with the University of Luton and Middlesex University to establish a degree programme in carnival arts. Paul Anderson, Director of Luton Carnival Arts Development Trust, welcomed the funding announcement as an endorsement of carnival arts in the UK. ?We?re really excited to know that the artform is now becoming a nationally recognised part of the contemporary art scene.? Crucial to the success of the project with other potential funders is the impact the development will have on the local economy. Plans suggest the centre will generate £200,000 from earned income and sales annually and attract an additional 6,000 visitors to Luton each year. Luton currently hosts Europe?s largest one-day carnival event, attracting 150,000 visitors.