‘The business of Carnival’

These two gentlemen are part of a panel of speakers who will lecture at the first World Carnival Commission’s (WCC) Carnival Arts Conference on June 2, 3 and 4.

The theme of the conference is “The Business of Carnival in the 21st Century: Defining the Caribbean Carnival Product” and it is hosted by the West Indian Canadian Day Association (WICDA) of Montreal, Quebec, which is spearheaded by Henry Antoine, president of the WCC.

According to Antoine, “The WCC aims to raise the profile of Carnival arts by highlighting exciting new developments and encouraging national and international networking opportunities.”

Some of the invited guest speakers include, Pax Mindi, Arts Council senior carnival expert and strategist (England/Africa); Esteves da Costa, Estacio De Samba of Rio Carnival in Brazil; Michael Roberts, editor, New York Carib News; and Director of Business, Communications and Government of the WCC Henry Antoine, as well as an impressive group of panellists coming from the Caribbean, North America, Europe and South Africa.

Delegates at the conference are expected to get an insight into the rich experience that Carnival artists contribute to the cultural, economic and social development of the communities in which they work.

Organisers have put in place an opportunity for delegates to network, socialise and celebrate during the three days.

The conference includes interactive workshops like The History of Carnival by Chalkdust, The History of Steelpan by Manette, The Business of Carnival by Michael Roberts and The Future of Carnival — The Road Ahead by Henry Antoine.

Keynote speaker Pax Nindi will bring his tale of Europe’s largest street event, Nottinghill Carnival; other leaders of carnivals in Boston, New York, Toronto, Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa and Brazil will also be featured in a panel discussion.

The WCC will host an evening featuring Montreal’s fabulous night life with sightseeing tourist attractions. On June 3, WICDA will present a Mask and Masquerade Ball to launch the first ever Jouvert in Montreal.

The conference will also feature live entertainment and a Caribbean food extravaganza. For more information on the conference contact Gemma Raeburn-Baynes, vice president, WIDCA by e-mail at graeburn@yahoo.com.