A Talk by Carnival Expert Pax Nindi
Thu, 6 June 18:30 – 20:30
TheVenue@Cowley, 242b Barns Road, Oxford, OX4 3RQ
Cowley Road Carnival welcomes renowned international carnival expert Pax Nindi to give an interactive talk about the history of Carnival
Summer is nearly here which means one thing… carnival organisers and performers from around the world are putting the finishing touches on their costumes and choreography ready for their spectacular community events.
Here at Cowley Road Carnival we are gearing up for our event (Sunday 7th July!) – and to get us in the mood we are delighted to welcome Pax Nindi for a free interactive community talk about the history of Carnival.
Author, researcher, event organiser and consultant Pax has been involved in UK and international carnivals since the mid-80s. Pax started his career as a qualified printer in Zimbabwe, before moving to the UK in the mid 80’s where he founded Paxvision, a community video project in South London where as an event organiser initiated Festivals such as Deptford Days (UK), Venture Centre Kids (UK)l and Chimanimani (Zimbabwe).
Until 1996, for ten years he served as a senior member in the Arts Council of England national office where he wrote and published the 2007 National Carnival Arts Strategy as well as initiate and edited On Route Carnival book. During that time for two years he produced international Carnival Conferences, researched and initiated International Carnival Fellowships in Brazil, Trinidad, Europe and USA which benefited ten British artists.
Having restarted and directed Bristol’s St Paul’s Carnival for 4 years, (Mid 2011 to early 2014), he was Creative Director for Europe’s only purpose built Carnival Centre (UKCCA) where he produced and directed Eastern region Olympics carnival project “Carnival Cross Roads”, directed the Luton International Carnival, the Brazil Encontro and European projects in Denmark, UK, Hungary and Germany. He is currently the Vice President of the World Carnival Commission (Canada), Company Director of Circus Development Agency, Patron for the Charity Soul of Africa and Carnaval del Peublo, Creative Director for Hackney and also Hull International Carnivals.
As Chief Executive and founder of Global Carnivalz Ltd. Pax has been a fundraiser and cultural arts consultant for various arts organisations including Leeds Carnival (UK), Junkanoo Commandos (Bahamas), Notting Hill Carnival (UK), Yle de Egba (Brazil), Miami Carnival (USA) Recife Carnival (Brazil), Carifete (Canada), Rampage Mas Band (UK) and Tumaini Education Trust (Kenya).
This will be a fantastic evening and a special chance to gain a deeper understanding of carnival arts and their place in strengthening communities.
Tickets are limited so book now to make sure you don’t miss out.