A Tameside Carnival arts organisation is celebrating after its future is secured for the next three years.

Global Grooves is amongst a handful of arts and cultural organisations that have been nationally recognised by Arts Council England for the ongoing work they do. In the case of Mossley's Global Grooves, this means creating uplifting, hands-on Carnival experiences for hundreds of people of all ages every year. Next year, it will celebrate its 20th anniversary. 

For the second time, Global Grooves is the only Tameside organisation to be selected for funding, which will provide crucial support to the not-for-profit organisation from 2023-26. 

Being handpicked for the three-year grant means that Global Grooves will continue to be classed as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation or NPO. NPOs are a select group of the creative and cultural organisations that carry out impactful work, for which they receive regular funding to cover some of their costs. A total of £446m was shared between 990 organisations in the UK, 282 of which are in the north. 

The money to support the arts organisations comes from national government and the National Lottery. 

Global Grooves was launched by friends Leon Patel, Holly Prest, and Eraldo Marques in 2003. It works both in the local community, creating free and accessible events and opportunities, and as an important player in the national and international outdoor arts scene, nurturing emerging artists and contributing to the development of Carnival as an artform. 

(left to right) Eraldo Marques, Leon Patel and Holly Prest of Global Grooves

Another of Global Grooves' initiatives is the Future Leaders programme. Every course, 40 young people aged between 12-25 from Greater Manchester and all over the UK are invited to sign up. Over weekend and school holiday intensives, young musicians, dancers and visual artists receive world class training in not only their chosen artforms, but also in leadership skills. Many alumni go on to work professionally in the arts. 

Leon Patel, CEO, Global Grooves, said: "Growing up in Mossley, I have very fond memories of taking part in free community music and arts activities as a child. 

"The opportunity to do this made me who I am and enabled me to grow and continue to provide creative opportunities for the next generations. 

"Carnival is such an inclusive art form - it is all about the taking part and there is a role for everyone in creating Carnival. All over the world, Carnivals bring communities together, make connections, bring joy and energy, and create local pride.    

"Being a member of Arts Council England's National Portfolio means we have three years of continual funding, which allows us to plan, dream big and work with even more local people, organisations and artists, to give them the kinds of opportunities that can change their whole lives." 

The financial backing it will receive from Arts Council England will also help towards the running costs of The Vale in Mossley. The Vale is a Carnival centre and community hub, housing the Northern Carnival Centre of Excellence, hosting live performances and film nights, and providing free family activities every week. 

Current opportunities at The Vale include call outs for people interested in visual arts to help with preparations for Tameside Winter Carnival, which will take place in Ashton on Saturday 19 November 2022 and drummers, dancers and brass players for homelessness charity Emmaus 25th Birthday Carnival on Saturday 12 November. And young dancers and brass players aged 12-25 are invited to apply for a place on the current Future Leaders programme. Find out more about these and other opportunities by emailing hello@globalgrooves.org or calling 0161 870 6895. 

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