DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF LARGE MASQUERADE COSTUMES – CROP OVER 2026

CALL FOR DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF LARGE MASQUERADE COSTUMES

 TERMS OF REFERENCE –

In an effort to facilitate the return of large costumes to the Crop Over Festival, the National Cultural Foundation is inviting designers and /or design teams to submit proposals for the creation of large masquerade costumes to be showcased during the Crop Over Festival.

1. Costumes must measure 10 feet or more in height, with the majority of the costume mass carried / moved by the bearer.
2. Proposals must include:
3. An artistic interpretation of one of the following themes:
   1. The King of Crop Over
   1. The Queen of Crop Over
   1. Mr. Harding
   1. Kaiso! Kaiso!
   1. Emancipation
   1. Barbados at 60
4. A statement of concept with reference to research sources (approx. 300 words)
5. An indication of materials to be utilized (The creative use and/or integration of locally sourced, found, natural and/or recycled materials is recommended)
6. Articulated intention for innovative use of new technology (robotics, LED lights and the like) as a part of the costume’s presentation.
7. Colour sketches (approx. 8.5 x 11 inches) to illustrate the planned costume
8. Costumes are expected to be showcased on 3 occasions during the Festival:
9. At the Gala Opening of the Crop Over Festival on Saturday, July 4^th, 2026 where they will be installed on floats and form a part of the Opening Parade
10. On the road at Grand Kadooment on Monday August 3^rd, 2026
11. As a part of the Cohobblopot event to be held on Tuesday, August 4^th, 2026 at the National Botanical Gardens

4) Successful applications will be facilitated as follows:

-The provision of funding totaling Bds $25,000.00 each, disbursed in tranches as follows:

-50% on acceptance of proposal,

-25% on successful presentation at the Gala,

-25% after presentation at Grand Kadooment and Cohobblopot.

All terms of the project must have been met for disbursements to be made.

• Proposals with sketches must be submitted by Friday, May 22^nd, 2026 via email to carol-roberts@ncfbarbados.org along with the attached application form. Designs must be original and reflective of the assigned themes. A maximum of 6 designs will be selected.
• Successful applicants will be informed of their proposal’s selection by May 29^th, 2026.

Persons with queries or requiring further information may contact the Chief Cultural Officer, Mrs. Andrea Wells, at 417-6657 or email andrea-wells@ncfbarbados.org