Exciting news for all those involved with the New Carnival Company. Latest news in from Chris Slann in his own words. Ed
Chris Slann and Frankie Goldspink from The New Carnival Company have just returned from a research visit to Viareggio Carnival in Tuscany, Italy.
Viareggio Carnival is considered to be the largest in Europe, describing itself as ‘the Carnival of Italy and of Europe’ and attracting over 150,000 visitors a day during the six parades that fall during the Shrovetide period.
Satirical poke at politicians
The event is famous for huge articulated floats that tower to over 20 meters in height and can hold up to 200 dancers.
Frankie Goldspink, Participation and Learning Manager for The New Carnival Company observed, “many of the floats make satirical comment on social and political issues affecting the community. It is an opportunity to poke fun at local and national politicians as well as take a humorous and wry look at world events rather than just creating something really beautiful.”
Formally twinned with Fondazione Carnevale di Viareggio
Company signed a formal Twinning Protocol with the Fondazione Carnevale di Viareggio – the ruling body for the Carnival there.
As well as meeting many of the Italian artists, The New Carnival The ‘Protocol’ was signed by Chris Slann of The NCC and the Fondazione President, Alessandro Santini at a busy press conference and in the presence of Miss Italia 2012.
The agreement commits the two organisations to promoting friendly relations and the collaboration between the respective organisations through the exchange of artists, training in each other’s establishments and supporting joint cultural activities. Chris Slann of The NCC said “this is a really exciting result for Carnival on the Isle of Wight and further strengthens the Islands reputation as a centre of excellence for carnival arts learning and development. We look forward to hosting an international residency by Viareggio artists at our base, the Engine Room in Sundown, in the near future”.
Image: Giant Peacock Float from Viareggio Carnival 2012 and Fondazione President Alessandro Santini and The NCC’s Executive Director Chris Slann with sign the twinning protocol
