Date
Summer + Autumn 2026
Image Credits
Digital Migrations and Carnival Futures is a heritage project celebrating Barnet’s diverse cultural identities through carnival arts and migration stories. It will collect and archive digital narratives from local residents, inspiring creative workshops in costume-making, movement, music and storytelling, including sessions with at least one primary school. These workshops lead to a vibrant carnival performance at the Arts Depot in early October, followed by a Black History Month exhibition showcasing digital stories, photos and artefacts. Elements of the project will also feature in a borough-wide cultural event in November, honouring migration as a creative, community-strengthening force.
"We are excited about this project because it brings together community heritage, creativity and the transformative power of carnival. The opportunity to collect and share migration stories across Barnet inspires us, as these voices shape meaningful, intergenerational creative work. We’re energised by collaborating with residents, young people and schools to turn lived experiences into costumes, music, movement and digital storytelling. This project allows us to celebrate diverse identities, strengthen community pride, and ensure carnival remains a living, evolving expression of belonging. It embodies everything we value: inclusion, creativity and the joy of shared cultural celebration."
About About JUST INCARNIVAL Arts and Culture
JUST INCARNIVAL Arts and Culture is a cultural organisation specialising in carnival arts, heritage, education and community participation. They work with children, young people and communities to preserve and reimagine carnival as living cultural heritage rooted in Caribbean histories of resistance, creativity and collective expression. Their work spans schools, community settings and professional arts venues, combining costume, movement, music and storytelling to amplify underrepresented histories. They have a strong track record of delivering participatory, inclusive projects that centre cultural pride, skills development and intergenerational knowledge-sharing.
Light + Flight is presented by Art in Barnet. It is supported by a Cultural Impact Award, part of the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture programme. It is made possible with additional support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.