Taking our Sowing Roots exhibition about the Caribbean as inspiration, we have invited Ray of Sunshine International Arts to bring some sunshine and Trinidadian warmth to the Garden Museum in the cold winter month of February. Ray will be running a Carnival workshop inspired by Trinidad’s carnival traditions. Discover where carnival comes to life, where it originates from and how to create a headdress yourself!
The term ‘Mas Camp’ originates from Trinidad and refers to the place where local people from all walks of life come together to create and assemble mas costumes in the lead-up to carnival celebration. Ray will introduce you to the art of carnival skills. There’s always a relaxed and welcoming vibe at our Mas Camps and anyone can pick up what we’re teaching, he will also have a range of carnival headdress to look at and you can even try on and take a selfie!
Mas Camp is here to bring you together with your local community and the spirit of carnival. Everyone is welcome to come and help us create and celebrate!
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Ray Allan Mahabir - Artistic Director Sunshine International Arts (S.i.A)
Ray Allan Mahabir - Artistic Director Sunshine International Arts (S.i.A)
I come from an island where we are known as ‘de people with ah carnival mentality’
I grew up in the small village of Penal in South Trinidad, with a rich cultural background of Indo-Caribbean roots. As Trinidadians we are born into the tradition of carnival and my destiny as to what I was to become was clear from when I was young: A 'Mas man’. Carnival is my culture, my history and my passion.
I started my career as a fashion designer in the Caribbean as a Mas player, and from this I learnt how Important the design of the costume you wear is. My work and designs with S.i.A have become an award winning NHC carnival band and this passion has taken me throughout the world, delivering and presenting the arts and culture of Trinidadian Carnival.