From 2011 to 2016 the CT Cultural Heritage Arts Program developed, funded, and managed a project that taught Mas - the masquerade arts of carnival - to West Indian teens from Hartford. Local artists raised in the Carnival tradition were the educators and artists for the project. During the six week training workshop, called Mas Camp, from 15-22 teens created their own mas outfits, learned a dance routine, and presented the costumed dance at several summer events in Hartford, including the West Indian Independence Day Celebration held annually in August. After the Mas Camp, the costumes made by the teens and the teaching artists were displayed at an exhibit, held at the Institue for Community Research Gallery (2011-2014) and the Connecticut Historical Society gallery (2015-2016).

The project mentors students in job readiness skills, collaboration and teamwork, creative movement, and cultural knowledge. Project participants experience first-hand how to follow an artistic idea from background to completion and presentation, working individually and collaboratively, and then contribute their work to the community. Many of the students receive their first paycheck ever through this project.  Several of our graduates have become peer educators for the training sessions in subsequent years, and many enter higher education.