The sponsored project titled ‘Destination Carnival’ will shortly begin the selection process, as Carnival 2016 also aims at exchanging ideas and talents across three countries - the UK, South Africa and Goa. Interestingly, those selected participants will get an opportunity to travel to the two countries as part of an exchange programme.
“Goa Tourism is working round-the-clock to position Goa Carnival as a premiere State tourism event. It is working on the project in association with Brouhaha International, an arts organization based in Liverpool, UK,” an official said.
The department has already invited applications from interested participants, artists and float fabricators along with sketch of the float specifications, concept and design. As per the guidelines, the float participants will have to par take in the float parades held in all four cities Panjim, Margao, Mapusa and Vasco. The shortlisted applicants will be called for a presentation before the selection committee that will accordingly choose the floats to avail the grants. “We want to see Carnival evolving while also maintaining the traditional essence displayed through the float parades, performances and activities. People throng to Goa for the Carnival every year which is the only event of its king held in the State,” Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said adding, “Hence the endeavor is to motivate float designers to come forth with creative and original concepts so that the floats are attractive with good designs and have good performances in keeping with the themes.” The GTDC is, meanwhile, in the process of appointing selection committees that will meet this month to scrutinize the applications under the scheme as well as participation from Goan youth in the exchange programme.