Suitability for the Future Leaders Programme

Guidance Notes and Application Criteria for potential Future Leaders

Who should apply?

The Future Leaders programme is designed to develop young artists within three key carnival art forms (music, dance, and visual arts). This course will support the growth of Carnival arts in the UK, and we envisage that all of our Future Leaders will become arts ambassadors in their own right (whether leading their own group or project, or simply excelling in their art form). Global Grooves are committed to providing high quality tutors, mentors, and to filling the programme with as many educational and inspirational aspects. All we require from our applicants is passion, energy, talent, and a mature outlook (realising that all applicants have huge potential to shape and steer the youth arts scene in the UK and beyond for many years to come).

With all of this in mind, please ensure you match our application criteria, and have understood all aspects of what the course involves before making an application.

Suitability for the Future Leaders programme

Applicants are not required to come specifically from Carnival arts backgrounds (i.e. Samba dance, Afro-Brazilian drumming, or Carnival costume making), though such aspects will be a focus throughout the course in order to promote and preserve these styles in the UK. Our team of specialist tutors and mentors aim to pass on more ‘niche’ areas of study in this prestigious training initiative, which otherwise may be more difficult for you to access in a more mainstream setting. Whether you are an expert street dancer, a drum kit player, or a dress-maker, we hope to receive applications from anyone who matches the Personal Specification below.

Personal Specification

Future Leaders applicants should:

• ... demonstrate skill and enthusiasm within your art form/area of speciality

• ... have a passionate interest in your art form (percussion, dance, or visual arts)

• ... be able to commit yourself fully to the 8 month programme, including attendance at all residentials, complete all distance learning tasks, and communicate when necessary with the Future Leaders team and/or a dedicated mentor to ensure maximum benefit and enjoyment of the project.

Future Leaders applicants should be age 13-25. In exceptional circumstances, we will consider applications outside if of these age brackets; in this event, we recommend contacting us before applying.

Under 16s

All applicants under the age of 16 must discuss the programme fully with parents to ensure that everyone involved is excited and happy about the possibilities and required commitment to the programme.

Under 16s must also supply a letter of consent from a parent/guardian. A template for this letter can be found within the ‘Apply Here’ web page.

Geographic location of applicants

We encourage applications from all over the UK, and even internationally. The majority of our placements will be given to applicants from England and Northern Ireland (due to the funding criteria), however a small number of international and UK-wide placements will be available. Please get in touch for further clarification if required.

Course Content/Required Elements

The Future Leaders programme comprises a number of key elements to ensure you get the most from the programme. Each one of these is essential for your success within the programme. These include:

•  Attendance at all four trainings residentials in the Northwest (all dates found on website).

•  Distance learning tasks to further your experience in between the residentials; these will include a mixture of written and practical tasks provided during the programme.

•  Developing a relationship and keeping in regular contact with your mentor (who will provide on-hand expertise, inspiration, and support where it’s needed).

•  A sponsorship/fundraising element where each Future Leader should use their entrepreneurial skills to try to raise money for their course fees (£50 per weekend). Bursary places and support are available. For information about this can be found in the ‘Course Fee Contributions’ document on the ‘How To Apply/Apply Here’ webpage.

•  Providing a letter of intent stating that you agree to all of the course requirements.

•  Providing a letter of parental consent if you are under 16. For anything else, please feel free to contact our team using the details below.