In regard to Redbridge Libraries event to promote outdoor a reading campaign

Mandinga Arts offer an unreserved apology for the offence caused to residents, library employees, Redbridge Council and Redbridge Vision Culture and Leisure. We were contracted to provide three colourful character costumes, including the “monkey” design that would be suitable for a family and literacy event on Saturday, 10th July.  

Over nineteen years we have positively collaborated with local residents and public bodies to deliver colourful and celebratory characters and in this case, we undoubtedly got it wrong. Our lack of judgement in the choice of costume is one we deeply regret, having profoundly undermined our relationship with partners and the public. We apologise profusely to everyone concerned and are horrified at the repercussions it has had on partners. 
​
 In the future, we will hold ourselves to a higher standard when determining the suitability of a costume. Although the monkey was well-received at carnival events with a mixed audience, it was entirely unsuitable for a children’s event and should never have been used. The monkey costume has also been retired. 

We deeply regret the distress caused to any residents and library staff members, but also the wave of online abuse and sexual misconduct allegations being made against our performers. We apologise on their behalf and ask that people address their concerns to us, not individual performers or library staff who have done nothing wrong. 

We are a local community-based arts organisation with ambitions to bring communities together, not sow division. As we review our processes as suggested above, we will endeavour to continue that mission and ensure such a poor error of judgement cannot happen again. 
 We apologise profusely and will work to rebuild the relationship and trust we have developed over the past two decades. 

Mandinga Arts
​14 July 2021

---

About Mandinga Arts

Mandinga Arts researches, designs, creates, and delivers extraordinary and innovative artistic experiences using custom-made costumes and puppets, engaging communities in lively processions and performances throughout the UK and Europe, and as far afield as China and Colombia.

Mandinga is known for its distinctive style bringing together live music, carnival, street costume, puppetry, and dance, drawing on diverse influences from Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa. Mandinga facilitates high quality community contributions and brings a new aesthetic to the growing carnival and outdoor performance movement in the UK and overseas.

The company blends a range of traditional skills with new technology for an inventive and imaginative approach to design and performance. This adventurous practice, and a willingness to share new ideas and methodology, keeps Mandinga Arts at the forefront of design and delivery for outdoor performing arts.