© Gert Swillens
© Gaetan Dardenne

CIRC’UIT is a network of organisations that share a passion for outdoor circus. CIRC’UIT is a platform for dialogue and exchange for the circus sector. CIRC’UIT’s collective aim is to encourage the development of this art form.

Artistic work outside the traditional “black box” can lower barriers connect and engage a wide and diverse public. CIRC’UIT wants to focus attention on the strenght and beauty of this binding force.

The network’s partners pool their knowledge and experience to create and distribute outdoor circus performances in a sustainable and coordinated manner.

Cirque Plus (Bruges), Miramiro (Ghent) and CIRK! (Aalst) are the founding members of CIRC’UIT.

© Gaetan Dardenne

Wanted: Circus creation for open air!

Do you have an idea or plans to create a new circus show? And is it for outdoor? Then CIRC’UIT might be something for you.   

CIRC’UIT is Cirque Plus, CIRK!, UP (former Espace Catastrophe), Miramiro, Plein de Cirque (De Warande), Chassepierre – international street arts festival, Circuswerkplaats Dommelhof and Latitude 50. We share a passion for artistic work in public space and we are joining forces to stimulate the development of this circus form.   What are we offering? Financial support, residency opportunities, possibilities for try-outs and a place on our events.   

What do you need to do? Simple. Send a short introduction of yourself or your cie and the plans for the new creation on maximum A4, together with a project budget to info@circuscircuit.eu. If our curiosity gets sparked, we’ll plan a more elaborate (online) talk with each other.  No deadlines, no complicated procedures.  

Want to know more about CIRC’UIT? Go to www.circuscircuit.eu – specific questions info@circuscircuit.eu  

→ More news here

How does it (net)work?

→ Experiences are currently exchanged at network meetings.

→ In time, we will also share these experiences with potential partner organisations, circus artists/companies and the general public. 

→ In the first instance, CIRC’UIT initially focuses on Belgian organisations with an interest in circus, looking to support the creation and distribution of open-air circus performances. In the longer term, we will bring in international partners. 

→ Each partner contributes his/her own expertise.

→ Each partner makes an annual financial investment in the network. These funds are used primarily to support new productions but partly also to cover overheads.

→ Each partner undertakes to participate in consultative meetings and in selection interviews.

→ CIRC’UIT has internal rules and regulations to which all members must adhere. 

→ To apply for membership of CIRC’UIT, simply send an email to info@circuscircuit.eu

→ Each application will be discussed among members at the first meeting following receipt of the email.

Support for artists

The support needed is assessed by members on a project-by-project basis before a special support package is put in place.

The possibilities include:

→ A co-production in the form of financial support for its creation;

→ A residency c/o one of the partner organisations;

→ Try-outs in the presence of a test audience and/or professionals;

→ Performance opportunities at the various festivals and other events;

→ The backing of a quality label for subsidizers, governments and other impresarios;

→ Production and artistic advice;

→ etc.

Selection criteria for supporting productions:

→ Although we don’t like to exclude anyone, projects with a clear Belgian link are a bonus.

→ A fully-fledged, circus arts production.

→ An open-air creation.

→ Ideas for a new project or in the early stages of creation.

→ Young work (the work is young, not necessarily the artist).

→ The artist/company agrees to name CIRC’UIT as the co-producer in their communications. 

Selection procedure:

→ There is no fixed deadline. An artist/company can submit a proposal at any time. 

→ There is no specific application form. Present your idea on (max.) one A4 sheet together with a project budget and email it to: info@circuscircuit.eu or to a member of the network.

→ A decision will be made on the basis of the proposal and a discussion with the artist(s) concerned.

info@circuscircuit.eu

CIRC’UIT is an initiative of CIRK! Aalst, Cirque Plus, Chassepierre, De Warande, Dommelhof, Latitude 50, Miramiro and UP with support from Flanders.