St Pauls Carnival Welcomes Local Artist Dr Michele Curtis as New Chair of the Board

St Pauls Carnival is proud to announce the appointment of acclaimed Bristol artist Dr Michele Curtis as the new Chair of the Carnival Board.

As the founder of Iconic Black Britons and an advocate for African-Caribbean heritage, Michele Curtis brings a fresh, grassroots perspective to Carnival’s leadership. Her work, which includes public art like the Seven Saints of St Pauls murals, has been central to celebrating and preserving Bristol’s black history. Michele succeeds celebrity chef Levi Roots, who has helped guide St Pauls Carnival through significant growth including the return of a full-scale Carnival post-pandemic.

This transition comes at a pivotal time for St Pauls Carnival. This year, the CIC launched the It Takes A City campaign, a groundbreaking initiative that calls on the entire city—citizens, communities, businesses, and corporations alike—to join the conversation about Carnival’s sustainability and legacy. As one of Bristol’s most valued and long-standing cultural events, St Pauls Carnival has long been a symbol of African-Caribbean pride and creativity. The It Takes A City campaign aims to build a shared vision for the future that ensures Carnival continues to preserve and create cultural experiences for future generations.

Michele Curtis’ appointment signals an exciting era of collaboration. Her deep connection to St Pauls and dedication to African Caribbean culture and heritage makes her an ideal leader to help drive this vision forward. Under her leadership, the organisation aims to broaden the Carnival’s reach and impact, ensuring that its benefits continue to be felt citywide.

Michele Curtis commented:
‘I am excited to work with the team and board of St Pauls Carnival CIC, and continue to leave a legacy of carnival that is indicative of the vision and mission of its founders. A carnival that is sustainable and continues to share, educate, celebrate and preserve our rich African Caribbean Heritage for future generations.’

LaToyah McAllister-Jones, Chief Executive of St Pauls Carnival, added:
‘The appointment of Michele as the new Chair is a very positive start to a new phase for St Pauls Carnival. Having a strong voice that has such close links to Carnival’s roots and its founders is fantastic for the organisation. I have admired Michele’s work since moving to Bristol in 2015 and the Seven Saints is so deeply connected to how we have framed our work over the past 6 years. I very much look forward to working with her and the Board.’