Los Angeles Carnival is a performance street event and educational touring ensemble. It is part of the worldwide chain of Caribbean carnivals imported into various communities by Caribbean immigrants. Founded in 1998 by Marie Kellier, the event is similar to a parade but rather than a continuous orderly procession, participants stop along the way, to interact with the public while dancing behind their mobile music systems. Los Angeles has been produced in Westchester since 1999 by MARIKEL, a production, design and consulting practice. This festival owes its existence to the support of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, and the participation of the Los Angeles community, and more specifically, help from the Caribbean community of Greater Los Angeles. Our 501(c)3 sponsor is International Eye, Los Angeles (IELA), an arts and cultural organization serving international and underrepresented communities. Our foundation sponsor is the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, which has supported the event in part, with grants since 2002. Los Angeles Carnival On Tour, the traveling and educational arm of the organization brings carnival experiences to schools and neighborhoods who might not otherwise experience this living art form. It presents imaginative workshops, theme-based performances and installations to businesses and corporate clients. OUR MISSION The mission of Los Angeles Carnival is to preserve, promote and bring innovation to Caribbean cultural practices; and to share the Caribbean experience with the widest possible cross-section of communities that call Los Angeles Home. OUR VISION We envision being the organization of choice for delivering excellence in Caribbean cultural arts, developing integrated solutions to cultural intolerance, and presenting excellent arts education and performances that advance innovation, while preserving the integrity of Caribbean cultural heritage. OUR VALUES Our values are guided by personal and professional integrity, honesty and respect for the people we encounter, and the spaces we inhabit. We also value: Pursuit of excellence in all that we do Delivering on our promises Preserving and protecting the heritage that defines us Respecting the heritage and values that define others.
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