Sunshine International Arts

Alwin Chow Lin On,
2020-08-09 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | CAFE, STUDIO 5 209A, COLDHABOUR LANE, LONDON, SW9 8RU, United Kingdom
Alwin Chow Lin On, ‘Chow’ to all who knew him in the UK, 30 April 1935 – 29 July 2011
#siasummer20nhc
“At this time I had the opportunity to work with Alwin Chow Lin On(who was instrumental in a lot of Minshall large costume) We called him- Chowie. I got very involved in larger costume designs the way he worked and drew his structured and calculated was a dream it took me back to my Architecture school days”.Ray
#siafamilymystory
#NHCpioneer #CaribbeanHistory #carnivalHstory

Avion Mookram “I remember Carnival Monday/Tuesday February 1954”
2020-08-09 08:00 - 17:00
What an interesting story from St Vincent Street San Fernando (South Trinidad) to leading one of Notting Hill Carnival major band – South Connections
Avion has been part of my life from the first time I came to London to now at S.i.A -Ray
Avion Mookram
#siasummer20nhc
#siafamilymystory
#NHCpioneer #CaribbeanHistory #carnivalHstory

Notting Hill Carnival — the untold story ISHMAHIL BLAGROVE JR
2020-08-08 12:00 - 17:00

Notting Hill Carnival History: How Race Riots Inspired London’s Caribbean Carnival, Chloe-Rose Crabtree
2020-08-08 08:00 - 17:00
#siasummer20nhc #CaribbeanHistory #carnivalHstory

Notting Hill Carnival is London’s biggest street party, with costumed revellers and steel bands bringing the city to life in a colourful celebration of West Indian culture. In sharp contrast to its euphoric atmosphere, Carnival’s origins lie in race riots that saw the newly arrived immigrant population attacked by white nationalists.

The Notting Hill race riots

Calypso- Kaiso music has its origins in West Africa (particularly in present-day Nigeria) and in the Kingdom of Kongo and was brought over by the enslaved Africans,
2020-08-07 08:00 - 17:00
#siasummer20nhc #CaribbeanHistory #carnivalHstory
Caribbean Music: “Kaiso” — Some history and examples to listen to!
Growing up in the Caribbean, especially being raised by Trinidadians, I have been exposed to a variety of music from across the region. Particularly music out of Trinidad. By Jamtaylor
………
Calypso originated within Trinidad when slaves from West Africa were brought into the Caribbean islands to work on the sugar plantations. It is believed that Calypso evolved from the West African “Kaiso.” Known as “the poor man’s newspaper,” Calypso first emerged in tents, where slaves who were forbidden to speak to each other would meet in secret; a way of preserving west African traditions, communicating news and mocking their cruel masters. By Egypt Today Staff …

Darcus Howe: British Black Panther
2020-08-06 13:00 - 17:00
“…I never once believed what they wanted us to believe – that we as black people are inferior to whites…”― Darcus Howe

From Drums to Tamboo Bamboo to Sweet Steel- The genesis of the steelband By Selwyn Taradath
2020-08-06 08:00 - 17:00
#siasummer20nhc #CaribbeanHistory #carnivalHstory
From Drums to Tamboo Bamboo to Sweet Steel
Photo credit Christine TriniView Gallery

How Steelpan Started, as told by pan pioneer Oscar Pile
Video courtesy IsDePanInMe

Lincoln Rahamut #NHCpioneer #siasummer20nhc
2020-08-05 13:00 - 17:00
When I came to London I always remember Lincoln was one of the few mas men who came and complemented my work at Splash ( The large costume competition at NHC ) over the year we became friends and he made most of my recent structure and wire heiresses and backpacks – he was alway a soft spoken man and very pleasant- most of all a talented mas man -Ray
Lincoln was a pioneer in the development of costume designing at Notting Hill Carnival. In 1992 Lincoln launched Masquerade 2000 and changed the concept of carnival costumes at Notting Hill Carnival,

A wide variety of costumes (called "mas")
2020-08-05 12:00 - 17:00
A wide variety of costumes (called “mas”) depicting traditional Trinidadian Carnival characters are seen throughout the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.
Full List of costume
Trinidad Carnival combines bacchanalian celebration with spontaneous street theatre, in an atmosphere of fantasy and “freeness”.

#siasummer20nhc Ole time carnival Trinidad and Tobago
2020-08-05 08:00 - 18:00
Ole time carnival Trinidad and Tobago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owvlto0GoEo

List of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival character costumes, Click here

Blue Devil 2020 Nelson Island

TNA Brief History of Carnival Celebrations in the Caribbean
Once Christmas season is officially over in the Caribbean, it’s time to dig out your dancing shoes and start thinking about Carnival, the hedonistic celebration that culminates on Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, the day before Lent begins. Click Here

MAS – A TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION PRESENTED BY: NICOLE FERDINAND
2020-08-04 12:00 - 19:00
MAS – A TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
PRESENTED BY: NICOLE FERDINAND
The mulatress1 and the garden Negro or field slave2 are masquerades which evoke the French tradition of the exchange of roles during the Carnival period. These costumes were later co-opted by the freed slaves (from 1834)….#siasummer20nhc

1979-2020 look out for de story!! Ray Allan Mahabir
2020-08-04 08:00 - 17:00
My childhood memories of carnival mas men were Peter Minshall and Wayne Barkley. I was fascinated by both Peter and Waynes’ work, also other mas men stuck out in my memory. George Bailey, Ken Morris and Irvin McWilliams to name a few. But Minshall was my idol his work was unique and different and always had a profound story to each of his productions.
Ray Allan Mahabir
My brothers and sister at a young age. Russel, Denise,Ray and David Mahabir

Trinidad was originally called Kairi which is Kalinago for “Land of the Hummingbirds”
2020-08-03 08:00 - 17:00
KAIRI THE ABORIGINALS
Trinidad, once called ‘Kairi’ (or possibly ‘Iere’) was aboriginally inhabited by many groups of Amerindian peoples who populated the Caribbean and South American region.
#siasummer20nhc #siafamilymystory #delegacysia21beyond
https://method.moda/gazette/kairi

Peter Minshall and his costume the Hummingbird performed bySherry-Ann Guy (Coelho) 1974

Moko Jumbie
2020-08-02 12:00 - 17:00
From its origin in Africa through its journey to the U.S. Virgin Islands, the mocko jumbie has evolved culturally at celebrations and festivals since the 1960s. Today they continue to embody V.I. culture. Tuesday, the Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies danced at Hotel on the Cay to kick off the new season.

Moko Jumbie #siasummer20nhc
2020-08-02 08:00 - 17:00
The character of the Moco Jumbie was originally a cult figure found throughout West Africa.
https://www.traditionalmas.com/project/moko-jumbie/

Carl Gabriel: from mas band to museum. #NHCpioneer #siasummer20nhc
2020-08-01 13:00 - 17:00
I met Carl and Lyn at South Connection(SC) launch many years ago and over the years we became good friends working alone side each other on carnival project , I alway admire their work such amazing wire bending, I actual first knew Lyn mother Elma Betancourt (who also attended SC band launches- she use to call me Meh Lover !) from playing mas with her in Minshall in Trinidad( sadly both Lyn and Elma pass away recently ) …Rx
“My godmother lived on the route to Skinner Park in San Fernando, when all the bands had to pass down Rushford Street,” he explains, “and because my family was well-known, a lot of players had to pop in for rice and peas. So that’s where I saw everything, and this latent memory is what keeps me producing the sort of work that I produce today. Caribbean Beat Magazine -By David Katz
And another good read from the Metro …
‘I draw out the designs,’ says Carl, ‘but the ideas come from me and from books. I don’t want to look at other carnival stuff because I don’t want to be influenced.’ Metro by Simon Gage

Canboulay Riots- #siasummer20nhc
2020-08-01 08:00 - 17:00
The emancipated slaves first celebrated their freedom on 1 August the anniversary of their emancipation but soon participated in Carnival instead.
The Canboulay riots were riots by the descendants of freed slaves on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago in response to efforts by the British police to crack down on aspects of the celebration of Carnival.
The riots occurred in February 1881 in Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and in the southern cities of San Fernando and Princes Town in February 1884 causing loss of life. The riots are still commemorated today and canboulay music is an important part of the music of Trinidad and Tobago notably the use of steel pans which were the descendants of percussion instruments banned in the 1880s.
The “chantwell” or chantuelle who was also an integral part of the celebrations was the forerunner of the calypsonian and later soca music.

Celia as the Midnight Robber NHC London S.i.A 2016

What we have planned for August 2020...
2020-07-20 08:00 - 2020-07-31 17:00
What we have planned for August 2020…

This year we have had to re-consider if, and how, we invite you to join our annual family-friendly Mas Camp workshops. We have concluded that the main reason we involve people in our carnival building is to reinforce a strong community spirit, to teach new skills and to keep the history of carnival alive.
That’s why we have decided to run an online programme on the Culture and History of Carnival throughout August. These educational downloads will incorporate all of the elements mentioned above. We’re currently in the planning stages but we are excited to share our updates with you soon

One-stop Carnival Shop!
2020-01-20
CAFÉ CLOSED
C.A.F.E – It’s in the name! Carnival-Arts-For-Everyone is our motto and what we live by.
We want to spread the word, history and art of carnival far and wide. Our comfortable, creative space is open today for you to come and chat to us about our work and how you can get involved in productions.
Check out our Carnival Shop Online and visit us in April 2020 to see our array of costume materials in person!

We can support your carnival project!
2020-01-14
CLOSED TODAY
Here at S.I.A we LIVE for carnival!
Our South-London based workshop is full to bursting with IDEAS, TOOLS and COSTUMES!
Whether you’re looking for someone to design and make costumes, manage your project, or perform at your event – with over a decade of experience – S.I.A can make it a spectacular reality.
Sunshine International Arts is an award-winning carnival band with over a decade of experience. We can deliver all aspects of your carnival project including designing, making, project management and performance
If you are a Mas Band or arts organisation looking for design support we can help you.
We want to hear about your ideas for CARNIVAL.
Contact us to find out more or see our previous work here

from APRIL 2020 we welcome our revamped CARNIVAL SHOP
2020-01-11 08:00 - 17:00
CAFÉ CLOSED
C.A.F.E – It’s in the name! Carnival-Arts-For-Everyone is our motto and what we live by.
From April 2020 we are having a HUGE clear out of our fabulous costumes, quality materials and all carnival equipment. If you’re planning a costume for 2020 – we can be your one-stop carnival shop!
Check out our Carnival Shop Online and visit us in April 2020 to see our array of costume materials in person!

Keep an eye out for our BiGweeKendS 2020!
2020-01-04 11:00 - 16:00
We will be on our winter break from the 15th Dec 2019 and will be back out on the 1st April 2020
Be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook, Instagram and Online Calendar in 2020 for updates on our brand new BiGweeKendS #siacontemporary2022
Love & Light – Ray, Karen, Natti & Bridie

CLOSED - Look out for our 2020 BiGweeKendS!
2020-01-01 08:00 - 17:00

CLOSED - THANK YOU for spending 2019 with S.i.A
2019-12-18 11:00 - 16:00
From everyone here at S.i.A, we want to say a HUGE thank you to all those who have been involved with our work this year!
Whether you joined us at our annual Mas Camps and this year’s Notting Hill Carnival, rented one of our affordable spaces, hosted an event in our community centre or partnered with us on a local project – you make it all possible!
We will be on our winter break from the 15th Dec 2019 and will be back out on the 1st April 2020
Be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook, Instagram and Online Calendar in 2020 for updates on our brand new BiGweeKendS #siacontemporary2022
Love & Light – Ray, Karen, Natti & Bridie

WINTER AT THE ARCHES is here ! CLOSED - Commission US !
2019-12-15
Brixton-made costume displayed at British Library exhibition! https://www.sunshineiarts.co.uk/were-on-the-brixton-blog/

Want to learn more about what we can do ?
https://www.sunshineiarts.co.uk/commissionus/

LAST DAY @ CAFE OPEN CHRISTMAS FLEA MARKET - ITEMS FROM £1
2019-12-14 11:00 - 16:00
Have you visited our C.A.F.E FLEA-MARKET yet?
MANY ITEMS JUST £1! Open whenever we are.
ALL DONATIONS GO TOWARDS OUR MULANA (link to mulana) AND KENYA PROJECTS Reg Charity # 1119236
Looking for a Christmas gift with meaning? We also have handmade CHUTNEYS and JAMS. Have you tried our infamous chutneys and pepper sauces? A true taste of Trinidad! Pop in today & take one, or two, or three… home.
As usual, we have our £4 world curry on offer for lunch.
See you there…

CLOSED - Mulana...India Project
2019-12-13 11:00 - 16:00
S.I.A works with the female artisans of Rajasthan in a skills-development programme called ‘Mulana – The Art of the People’. The beautiful hand-embroidered cards are the result of this project, and all proceeds from the sale of these cards go back to supporting the project and these under-represented craftswomen.
Our Artistic Director is heading to Rajasthan in 2020 to continue our outreach skills development project with these inspiring women.
Help us support the female artisans of the Mulana project by buying from our Mulana Shop, or by clicking here
Or drop by to see our products in the new year! Reg Charity # 1119236

YOUR local community arts centre and AFFORDABLE Carnival shop!
2019-12-11 11:00 - 16:00
C.A.F.E – It’s in the name! Carnival-Arts-For-Everyone is our motto and what we live by.
We want to spread the word, history and art of carnival far and wide. Our comfortable, creative space is open today for you to come and chat to us about our work and how you can get involved in productions.
Check out our Carnival Shop Online and visit us in April 2020 to see our array of costume materials in person!

CAFE OPEN CHRISTMAS FLEA MARKET - ITEMS FROM £1
2019-12-07 11:00 - 16:00

SAILOR MAS …
2019-12-01
CLOSED TODAY ….
The sailor is perhaps the most popular traditional mas to play, due to its many variations, light weight, and inexpensive materials (please note the exception of the fancy sailor).
http://www.traditionalmas.com/project/sailor/
When it comes to CARNIVAL! We can do it!…We offer educational carnival workshops…
Contact us for more information
