Would you like to enhance your creative skills or learn new ones for your own development and the benefit of your community? Would you like to showcase your creativity at the Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival this year?

If the answer is "Yes" to any, or all of the above, then the North West Carnival Initiative wants to invite you along to a unique 2 day course in large scale puppet making master classes, which will be facilitated by Belfast based carnival company, The Beat.

The Beat is an award winning creative company that has a particular interest in devising events that incorporate visual spectacle, music, dance and theatrical performance.
With over 13 years experience in the professional arts, community development and carnival training fields this company has a core group of carnival artists who have skills in large-scale carnival design, construction, puppet making and costume plus a wider collection of artists who have skills and experience in smaller scale prop making and community / youth facilitation. Many individuals within this collective of artists have years of experience in large-scale productions across Ireland, UK Europe and worldwide. Beat artists have worked with and been trained by some of the most renowned and respected carnival practitioners in the UK and further a field.

The workshops will take place at the newly completed Art Space at the Gasyard Centre on Sat 27th & Sun 28th September 2008 from 10am to 4pm each Day. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, National Lottery Fund and Derry City Council financially support this project, so we are able to offer this unique training for the nominal cost of £25.00 (full fee) or £10.00 (concession). There are also a limited number of bursaries available. Please contact Helen Harley, Carnival Development Officer for more information and an application form, Tel: (028) 7136 5151 or email: helen.harley@derrycity.gov.uk.
Places are limited, so to avoid disappointment we are advising to book early.

The North West Carnival Initiative is a consortium of groups including: An Gaelaras, Bluebell Arts, Waterside Theatre, Gasyard Centre, Greater Shantallow Community Arts, In Your Space & The Playhouse who are committed to building carnival skills in the North West with the support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Derry City Council.

Please note that no previous experience is necessary! All that is required is enthusiasm, a passion to learn & a desire to pass on the knowledge!