Pax Nindi, a prominent figure in the global carnival industry, has stepped down from his role at Cowley Road Works, the charity responsible for organising the Cowley Road Carnival in Oxford.
Nindi, who served as a Trustee for the organisation, has been a key advocate for the event, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, he officially announced the cancellation of the live street event to prioritise public health, transitioning the celebration to digital platforms and local “pop-up” displays.
The departure comes at a period of transition for the Cowley Road Carnival. The event has faced significant financial hurdles in recent years, including a £20,000 funding shortfall in 2023 following an unsuccessful bid for Arts Council England support. These constraints led to the cancellation of the in-person procession for several consecutive years.
Nindi continues his work in the international cultural sector as the Chief Executive of Global Carnivalz Ltd and the World Carnival Commission. He is currently spearheading the “Black Star Carnival” initiative in Ghana, aiming to establish the country as a primary hub for carnival tourism. His focus remains on strategic investment, youth training, and the standardisation of carnival arts as a global economic driver.
The Board of Trustees at Cowley Road Works continues to manage the charity’s governance and future strategy for the Oxford-based event.
