This is a new initiative to let people know what is cooking in our region!
In each general meeting of ours, we always share news of how each member organisations is doing (news, changes and etc) and we decided to turn this news-round that happens behind closed doors to a public announcement what exciting things are members are doing in their countries!
The biggest news we have to share it that we have 4 new members that we will start announcing soon!
DYNAMO, Odense/ Denmark
(stage and workspace for circus and performing arts)
Exciting updates from Dynamo Workspace!
Their vibrant space hosts co-productions, residencies, guest performances, and a thrilling festival. They recently premiered "Häppy hour" by the Nordic Council, a show that's both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Their residency program welcomes international artists, with an upcoming Open Call in June for long residencies. Plus, mark your calendars for their biennial festival on June 11-14, 2025.
In partnership with the New Horizon Leadership Program (NHLP-EU), they're hosting a conference in Riga on June 19-20. Stay tuned for Dynamo magazine vol. 4 and their collaboration with Big Wolf Company and The Nordic Council.
Don't miss their "60 second circus film" competition with OFF, Odense International Film Festival, and their upcoming Circus Next Lab in August. Join them for the Little Grand Opening on June 7-8, featuring "Impact d'une Course" by La Horde Dans Les Pavés.
ØRKENFORTET, Copenhagen/ Denmark
(children's and youth association for new circus and performing arts.)
We continue with news from Denmark!
Orkenfortet is busy enriching young minds with their children's classes and fostering talent from Copenhagen with their fusion program for circus artists.
With a whopping 608 members ranging from 4 to 60 years old, they're truly making waves in the circus community. Their commitment to circus pedagogy shines through as they partner in the Articulate Pedagogy Project.
But that's not all! They have a Bachelor education program in the works, set to launch soon.
Plus, get ready for thrilling international performances with their new hand-to-hand company, featuring acrobats from around the globe.
Circus Studio Folie, Tallinn/ Estonia
(the only youth circus with circus curriculum in Estonia)
Now let's turn to Estonia!
As a circus school and organization with a rich history since 2000, they've been at the forefront of nurturing circus talent.
With 150 students enrolled in their circus school, they're not only providing education but also showcasing their students' skills through captivating performances.
They're actively involved in the Articulate Pedagogy network, staying at the cutting edge of circus education and innovation.
Get ready for their latest performance, "M-akro," directed by Folie Studio, premiering on May 7th, 2024, at the Tallinn Russian Theatre. It's sure to be a showstopper!
Folie Studio continues to inspire and delight audiences with their dedication to circus excellence.
CIRKUS SYD, Lund/Sweden
(cultural networking platform for research, development and innovation)
Exciting updates from Cirkus Syd!
They're buzzing with activity, hosting two incredible festivals: the biennial Southern Sweden Circus Festival in the Skåne region from September 6th to 15th, 2024, with a special focus on showcasing local artists, and the New Horizons Summit, set to take place biennially in December 2025 and 2027.
But that's not all! They're proud to announce the opening of a new training hall on March 27th, 2024, providing a state-of-the-art space for artists to hone their craft.
Their New Horizon Leadership Programme, in collaboration with several partners, is paving the way for the future of circus leadership. Plus, the Circus Thinkers platform offers monthly book club sessions and research opportunities, fostering intellectual exchange and growth within the circus community.
As part of the Articulate Pedagogy network, they've participated in the Job Shadow programme, sending two shadows to Estonia and Finland to further their expertise.
And with Eurovision in Malmö, they're seizing the opportunity to meet the demand for events by opening an event agency, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of circus entertainment.
Cirkus Syd is a dynamic hub of innovation and collaboration, shaping the landscape of circus arts in Southern Sweden and beyond!
Cirkus Cirkör, Stockholm/Sweden
(Northern Europe's largest circus company, circus high school)
Continuing with news from Sweden!
Cirkus Cirkör, as a performing company, they're taking the world by storm with international tours, including a thrilling journey to Japan.
They're deeply committed to education, bringing the magic of circus to schools through performances and workshops led by their pedagogical department.
Not stopping there, they're also running a Circus High School, nurturing the next generation of circus talent. And with their Young Cirkör place, Hot Spot, driven by young artists, they're creating a supportive environment to foster creativity and innovation in the art form.
Cirkus Cirkör is where passion meets performance, and the excitement never stops!
FINNISH YOUTH CIRCUS ASSOCIATION, Helsinki/ Finland
(national umbrella organisation of youth circuses in Finland)
What about Finnish Youth Circus Association?
As an umbrella organization with a proud 35-year history, they're the driving force behind around 50 schools and a staggering 10,000 youth circus enthusiasts.
Their annual Nurtsi festival is a highlight, bringing together performers and audiences from near and far to celebrate the vibrant world of youth circus.
But that's not all! They're breaking boundaries by combining circus with parkour, offering a dynamic and exhilarating experience for participants.
With strong pedagogical aims at the forefront of their mission, they're not just teaching circus skills but also nurturing creativity, confidence, and teamwork in young people.
The Finnish Youth Circus Association continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in youth circus, inspiring the next generation of performers and enthusiasts alike.
TEATRONAS, Vilnius/ Lithuania
(organisation developing contemporary circus in Lithuania that also organises contemporary circus festival)
With great happiness Teatronas would like to inform you that they have opened the registration for their professional days in Cirkuliacija festival, that is happening on 30th of May - 16th of June in various Lithuanian cities.
You can find the whole program of the festival here: https://cirkuliacija.lt/en/
If you are not available on the professional days, no worries, their festival this year spreads over three weekends, in each presenting two different international shows. On the second week they also have an amazing seminar by Jean-Michel Guy named “Reading a contemporary circus show”.
Here is a registration form and information for the seminar, just in case.
RIGA CIRCUS, Riga/Latvia
(multifunctional arts centre that fosters development and accessibility of contemporary circus field, runs a circus school)
The main big news is the grand opening of the circus Arena which the whole network witnessed in the end of March.
Riga circus is rolling out an artistic program, complete with a circus school, residencies, and the grand opening of a newly renovated and technologically advanced arena. Everything is brand new, promising an unforgettable experience for all. We can’t wait to see what is next!
CIRKO, Helsinki/ Finland
(Center for New Circus that promotes and develops contemporary Finnish circus)
And now news from Finland!
At the heart of artistic development, they're known for their robust residency program, offering an impressive 46 weeks of residencies per year.
That's not all - as presenters, they host an incredible 137 performances annually, featuring the talents of 57 artists.
With a dedicated team of 5 staff members, they're able to maintain their status as a leading hub for circus arts.
Their expansive space serves as both an accidental production center and a commercial circus operator, providing a platform for creativity to flourish.
And the best part? They're publicly funded, ensuring accessibility and sustainability in their endeavors.
Through their open call, they're actively promoting Finnish circus artists, requiring each company to include at least one Finnish artist in their lineup.
Plus, they're in the process of developing a co-production and touring model, further expanding opportunities for circus artists to showcase their work.
Cirko Center is a powerhouse of creativity and innovation, shaping the future of circus arts both locally and globally.
JONK! Performing arts, Gothenburg/ Sweden
(national and international performances of contemporary circus, dance, and theatre in Jönköping County)
And what's up in Jönköping?
With support from the arts council and the region, they're establishing their own circus across 13 municipalities.
Residencies, tours, and partnerships with Save the Children are set to bring the magic of circus arts to audiences far and wide.
Plus, their local talent is taking the lead in shaping the future of circus arts nationally. Get ready to be amazed as Jönköping shines under the big top!
SUBTOPIA, Stockholm/ Sweden
(a creative cluster with a very active circus department)
Continuing with Sweden - as an art cluster in Botkyrka, Subtopia are at the forefront of cultural innovation, with circus as one of their main profiles.
Get ready for the CircusMania festival, a regional collaboration that promises to dazzle audiences. The program is a result of close cooperation with venues across the region, ensuring a diverse and captivating lineup.
Subtopia offers residencies for artists to explore and create, fostering creativity and collaboration.
They're also deeply engaged in the international circus network, forging connections and sharing expertise.
Plus, they're proud to collaborate with Circus Expo, further enriching the circus community.
Keep an eye out for the festival announcement after the funding decision later this spring 2024. Subtopia is where the magic happens!
PASSAGE (organised by Helsingør Teater), Helsingør/ Denmark
(international street theatre festival that as well presents circus)
Exciting news from Passage Festival!
This August, they're gearing up for their festival program in the UK, promising an unforgettable experience for all. Plus, they're bringing joy to the little ones with a special children's festival.
But that's not all! They're also diving into residencies and launching the Hand-to-hand project, showcasing the incredible talent of circus artists.
Despite having no dedicated space, they're making magic happen by borrowing everything they need and taking their performances to the streets. Their collaborative spirit shines as they partner with numerous projects to bring their vision to life.
Stay tuned for more updates from Passage Festival!
NyCirkus Öst, Östergötland/Sweden
(a platform that works with circus development)
Let's go to another Swedish region!
NyCircus Ost offers daily training for professional circus artists, along with residencies at Agora.
On the pedagogical side, they're developing teacher trainings and workshops for professional artists, fostering growth and innovation in the circus community.
Additionally, they're actively involved in co-producing with local professional artists, creating dynamic collaborations that push the boundaries of circus arts.
Arts Printing House, Vilnius/Lithuania
(performing arts venue that support contemporary circus in Lithuania)
They're the hub for three vibrant festivals – the Contemporary Circus Festival HELIUM, the outdoor arts festival SPOT, and the theatre for kids festival KITOKS – each linked to their focus on three art fields.
Get ready for the Contemporary Circus Festival HELIUM, happening September 9-15, 2024, with a special focus on Baltic contemporary circus from September 9-13.
But that's not all! Starting from September 2024, they're planning regular workshops for children and teenagers twice a week, nurturing the next generation of artists.
And don't forget Mondays! Since February 2024, the Black Box is dedicated to circus artists and their open and private trainings, providing a space for creativity to flourish.
ACTING FOR CLIMATE, Oslo/ Norway
(performing arts and circus company and network combining environmental action and art)
What about Norway?
Acting for Climate immersed in several captivating artistic projects, each with its own unique journey and vision.
Their worldwide sailing tour, Currents, is currently in residency in Mallorca, gearing up for a summer tour. Follow their adventures on the Currents4climate Instagram page and be part of their inspiring journey.
Get ready for the premiere of Alive, their tree-dreaming performance, in summer 2026 in Denmark. They're seeking collaborators to delve into the inner life of trees through residencies in the Nordic and Baltic areas in 2025.
And don't miss Bark, their forest performance, as it prepares for a summer tour starting in Gotland in June, followed by travels to Lithuania and Greece. Stay tuned as they network and plan for their 2025 tour!
Acting for Climate is harnessing the power of art to inspire change and connect with audiences around the world. Join them on their journey to make a difference!
Circus and Dance Info Finland, Helsinki/ Finland
(info center for Finnish contemporary circus and dance)
Planning to visit Finland? Maybe fancy seeing a circus or dance performance or two? As the sun melts away the winter’s snowdrifts, conditions are optimal for performing arts festivals and events. See what’s on offer!
The festival season in Finland begins in earnest around Midsummer, but for friends of circus & dance there’s a variety of interesting events happening from late April through May to mid- June. Here’s a short introduction to some of the upcoming festivals that have circus and dance programming.
You needn’t come all the way to Finland to see Finnish circus and dance, as there are again plenty of opportunities in the near future to see shows that are touring abroad.
Flow Circus has brought top-notch circus art to audiences in Oulu – Pirjo Yli-Maunula receives the 2023 Sirkuksen Lumo Prize
https://circusdance.fi/en/flow-circus-has-brought-top-notch-circus-art-to-audiences-in-oulu- pirjo-yli-maunula-receives-the-2023-sirkuksen-lumo-prize/
Website offers a peek into what’s going on right now in the Finnish circus& dance scene. The page showcases current artists, companies, and works thatare participating in recent or upcoming events or networking trips, or are internationallyinteresting in some other way. The page is updated semi-regularly, usually before any major events.
Take a look back to CirkusExpo – Trailers and more available online:
CirkusExpo showcase featuring Finnish circus companies and artists took place in Hallunda, Sweden back in February. If you missed the event, don’t worry – you can get to know the presented companies and works online.