A CARNIVAL artist based in Tameside has scooped a national award for innovation.
Emily Wood, Artistic Director at Cabasa CIC, situated at The Vale in Mossley, has received the accolade from innovation agency Innovate UK.
It will support her idea to become more climate friendly in her company’s work in carnival arts and textiles.
Emily is among 233 high-potential innovators who has been awarded a £50,000 grant and she will also receive 12 months of tailored business support to help her grow.
“Like many organisational leaders, I have been increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of our work,” she explained.
“This includes topics such as synthetic dyes (used extensively in producing costumes and banners) and outdoor sculptures/installations.
“I have begun to explore a range of natural dye alternatives, and to consider natural and locally grown textile alternatives for costumes. With support from Innovate UK, I can now undertake a period of intensive Research and Development, leading to the development of two new public art works which can be deployed in a wide range of settings, bringing joy, energy and celebration to our shared spaces.
“These works will have a high level of sustainability built into their entire production cycle and will also involve audiences in questions around our relationships with public art, design, and textiles.”
Emily works in visual arts, textiles, costume, sculpture and processional art and her company Cabasa CIC delivers large-scale carnival and outdoor art works across the UK.
“We work with expert professional artists, although many of our projects also engage and celebrate the voices of marginalised groups,” she added.
“We work for a range of clients including local authorities, town teams, Business Improvement Districts, commercial retail centres and other arts organisations.”
You can read more about Emily’s work using natural dyes and processes at https://cabasacarnivalarts.com/the-living-dress/