CultureMix

CultureMix Arts is a music and carnival arts organisation based in Reading, Berkshire and one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations (ACE NPO).

CultureMix Arts offers cultural music and carnival arts activities for all ages and backgrounds. We engage with 900 school children per week during term time, teaching steel pan for curriculum lessons, clubs and taster workshops in schools as part of the Berkshire Music Education Hub in partnership with Berkshire Maestros.

Our music academy provides group and 1-2-1 music lessons and steel pan workshops led by our friendly tutors – all ages, abilities and families are welcome. Classes can lead to performance opportunities with Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra (RASPO) and further development with support from our artist development programme with the Reading Reggae Collective.

Our focus is on the professional development of young people. We provide internships and work experience programmes offering training in business, finance, music tutoring and event management. Our business hub enables people to enhance their business and employability skills and access support and information including access to funding to help realise their vision and develop careers in the creative industry.

We deliver an exciting programme of activity and annual events including Carnival of the World with a live music stage and parade showcasing carnival and traditional costumes on Broad Street in Reading, our Peace and Love concerts created to nurture local talent with performance opportunities for upcoming and established reggae artists, and the Steel Band Festival – an event to showcase a 100+ piece children’s steel orchestra at The Hexagon theatre.

CultureMix Arts makes a positive impact on the local community through our extensive schools education programme, in house workshops, events, partnering with other organisations and supporting artists on their music development journey.