Scottish Carnival Arts are dedicated in our outreach to community groups of all descriptions who we aim to support and involve through the art-form of carnival.

Children and Young People

Children and young people are the bedrock of many of our projects – both as participants and as audience. It is their personal and social development (communication skills, visual arts and design, dance, music and movement, understanding of other cultures etc) which is the main focus of development. SCA co-ordinate workshops manned by professional artists at various venues as well as open access drop-in centres during a particular programme. SCA are pro-active in contacting and travelling to local schools and colleges to encourage participation in the Carnival programme. We also welcome specific Youth Group Societies and Youth Counselling Services to contact us for involvement in our programmes and events.

Click here for our Working With Children Policy Statement.

Minority Ethnic Groups

Carnival is already a huge attraction for members of black, Asian, Caribbean, Brazilian and African communities and many other members of the ethnic minority populations in Glasgow whether as artists, young people children and families or as discrete minority groups. SCA projects allow those links, partnerships and networks to be extended and developed.

There is a large population of asylum seekers from many varied cultural backgrounds in Glasgow and Carnival is the ideal medium for encouraging inclusion and self-worth. Carnival is the ideal vehicle for allowing experiences to be expressed, different cultural traditions to mix and blend – as well as promoting an appreciation and understanding of different cultures.

Scottish Carnival Arts work closely with the Scottish Refugee Council as well as specific ethnic minority community groups in mounting projects to ensure maximum involvement.

Exchange System / Community Involvement from Other Areas

Throughout the year, Scottish Carnival Arts are involved in running workshops and producing carnival events with local communities. The Midsummer Carnival is regarded as a pinnacle event - the grand finale of carnivals and neighbouring community groups previously involved in smaller scale events are enthusiastic to become part of this.

Our exchange system operates whereby individuals and groups involved in other carnival projects are invited to join SCA events where they have the opportunity to practice/demonstrate skills developed from previous workshops.

People With Disabilities

Scottish Carnival Arts has provided over and over again, the value of Carnival as a medium for involving people regardless of level of ability. Participants can find their own level and buddy systems allow those with mobility or other problems, to team up with helpers and are therefore able to gain maximum benefit from the experience.

Families Affected by Poverty and Unemployment

There are statistics to show the poverty and unemployment situation in Glasgow is among the worst in Europe. Children and families belonging to these groups are specifically targeted for involvement in SCA projects. Skills in organisation and community development learned while taking part in SCA projects are transferable into community organisation, combating poverty and jobs/skills development of any sort. Scottish Carnival Arts liaise on a regular basis with the local council to identify and target these groups.

Local Businesses

The Carnival Programme offers an effective facility for team building within local businesses and a chance for employees to participate in creative activities out-with the workplace. The SCA carnival programme also acts as a platform for local businesses to promote themselves at carnival events through association to a costumed mass band which has been creatively based on their particular brand. SCA welcome contact from local businesses for further information on how Carnival can be of benefit to them.