Sunshine Studios Presents: Mas Camp 2025 (MC25) – Celebrating the Art of Carnival
Local community and visitors learning and making costumes during a Mas camp session
Sunshine Studios Presents: Mas Camp 2025 (MC25)
Celebrating the Art of Carnival
2025 marks a special year for Sunshine Studios as we dedicate our main space, Studio 5, to a year-round exhibition of Mas Camp. This immersive experience will celebrate and showcase Carnival’s rich artistic, historical, and cultural traditions, offering a deeper understanding of its legacy and evolution.
As part of our THINK LOCAL program—funded by the Arts Council England—we are committed to inspiring the next generation through the vibrant art of Carnival, culture, and traditional folklore. However, our vision extends beyond celebration; we are embedding the principles of the circular economy into our work, ensuring sustainability and innovation in costume-making, performance, and storytelling.
By embracing recycled art and resourceful creativity, we honour Carnival’s spirit of transformation while reducing environmental impact.
Our mission is not only to preserve and reimagine Carnival traditions locally but also to connect with the global Carnival movement, fostering cultural exchange and collaboration. Through our work, we aim to empower communities, sustain artistic heritage, and redefine Carnival as a forward-thinking, inclusive, and sustainable art form.
What is a Mas Camp?
Family making costumes together with artists during a Mas camp session.
The term ‘Mas Camp’ originates from Trinidad & Tobago, where ‘Mas’ stands for Masquerade. It is a dedicated space where people gather before Carnival to design and build their costumes, share ideas, and immerse themselves in the music and culture of carnival. Beyond costume-making, Mas Camps foster intergenerational connections, serving as cultural hubs for art, storytelling, and community well-being. The communal spirit extends to sharing food, laughter, and the creative energy that fuels the Carnival experience.
Mas Camp: The Heartbeat of Caribbean Carnival
Mas Camps offer a unique opportunity to learn from professional carnival artists and gain skills in costume design, wire bending, headdress building, and decorative techniques. The beauty of Mas Camp lies in its accessibility—anyone can join in, learn something new, and become part of this inspiring tradition.
Artist getting involved in our Mas Camp session to lean more about costume making.
At our Mas Camp, we invite families, emerging artists, and the general public to try their hand at creating Carnival costumes. Whether you’re using a glue gun for the first time, adorning a piece with sequins, or simply enjoying the rhythm of Calypso music, there is something for everyone in this welcoming space.
What to Look Forward to in Our Mas Camp 2025
Carnival Dreams: Our Exhibition
Detail of a headpiece from Notting Hill Carnival.
Carnival is more than just a festival, our exhibition of Ray Mahabir’s 27 years as a carnival artist not only showcases his original designs, but also informs on the vibrant expression of cultural identity, resilience, and artistic mastery. Our exhibition, Carnival Dreams, will take visitors on a journey through the evolution of Carnival, showcasing the craftsmanship, music, and storytelling that define this global tradition. Through interactive displays and live demonstrations, visitors will gain insight into the artistry behind costume-making and the deep cultural roots that sustain it.
Commissioned Costumes & Bespoke Creations
Full costume display, part of carnival Dreams Exhibition.
Looking for a one-of-a-kind Carnival costume? At Mas Camp, you can commission a custom-made piece designed by our expert team or purchase a costume from our exclusive collection. Whether you need a wire frame for a spectacular headdress or a fully designed Carnival outfit, we are here to bring your vision to life. COMMISSION US
Early Learning Family Workshops (0-5)
Child creating mixed media work with reused materials during a Mini Mas Camp.
We believe in nurturing creativity from a young age. Mini Mas Camp is an engaging and educational experience for children and their families. It introduces them to the world of carnival arts and culture. By involving families in this process, children not only learn about artistic expression but also strengthen family bonds through collaborative activities. Our Early Learning Family Workshops provide hands-on opportunities for children and parents to explore Carnival arts together. Through storytelling, mask-making, and interactive crafts, families can engage with the traditions of Mas in a fun and educational setting.
Cultural Identity & Mas Camp
Display with Traditional Trinidadian carnival costumes, reserach books and design material.
Mas Camp is more than just a workshop space—it allows people to explore their heritage, identity, and creative expression. Our Cultural Identity project encourages participants to delve into their personal stories and cultural backgrounds, using Carnival/culture arts as a medium for storytelling and self-discovery. By engaging with traditions from the Caribbean and beyond, we foster a deeper understanding of GLOBAL CULTURAL CONNECTIONS.
Internships & Volunteering: Hands-On Arts Training
Interns during a tour and guidance session.
As part of our MC25 we offer internship and volunteering opportunities for those interested in the behind-the-scenes world of arts organisations. Participants gain first-hand experience in event planning, costume-making, and community engagement. This is an excellent chance to develop professional skills while contributing to the vibrant cultural fabric of Carnival arts and learn the running of art studios.
Email us to learn more or get involved admin@sunshineiarts.co.uk
Ray Mahabir explaining about his creative process.
Meet the Designer: Ray Mahabir
Under the expert guidance of Trinidadian designer Ray Mahabir, Mas Camp participants will gain invaluable insight into the history and art of traditional Caribbean Carnival. Ray’s expertise in costume-making and storytelling provides a rare opportunity to learn from a craft master. Whether you’re interested in hands-on costume-making or want to ask Ray about his experiences, this is an unmissable opportunity to engage with an influential Carnival artist. Booking is essential
Meet the designer session with a local community group.
Join Us at Mas Camp!
Sunshine Studios is the headquarters of the carnival company and arts charity Sunshine International Arts, a community-driven organisation dedicated to increasing diversity and education in Carnival arts. Our space is open to all, inviting people from all backgrounds to explore Mas’s creativity, history, and magic. Mas Camp welcomes you whether you’re an artist, a Carnival enthusiast, or someone looking for a fun and enriching experience.
Local volunteer Session at Sunshine Studios.
Step into the world of Carnival with us—glue gun in hand, music in the air, and creativity flowing. Let’s celebrate the art of Mas together!
Group visits are welcome but advance booking is required.
For more details and book, email us or look at our whats on Page.