The Foyle Foundation Artist Development Programme

The Foyle Foundation Artist Development Programme was launched in September 2023.  The programme supported artists to develop their carnival arts, creative knowledge and skills. The programme also provided arts administration and business support so the participants learned the key knowledge and skills that are fundamental to becoming established working artists.  

This year’s mentoring support was provided by world renowned Artists and UKCCA Artist in Residence Melissa Simon-Hartman. The participants received a programme of masterclasses, 1:1 support and independent working at our studio space at UKCCA, and also visited 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 was supported by the UKCCA’s Assistant Artist and UKCCA’s Technical Support Officer.

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

Participants practiced and embedded their skills through live briefs delivered at the Luton Carnival 2025 mas camp, where they assisted local community groups to create costumes for the parade. The Artists put what they had learned into practice by each creating a large costume that was showcased in the Luton Carnival 2025 parade. The artists also toured with carnival costume band partners, throughout the UK.

UKCCA would like to thank the Foyle Foundation for supporting this vital programme which helped 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

Chauntier Irish-Downes

Debbie Gibbs

Glenis Ashton

Maureen Scarlett

Ruth Reid

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