Throughout their careers, circus practitioners move from one role to another. From informal to formal scenarios, taking up roles as educators, artists or organisers; creating or performing, both on-stage and behind the scenes. While moving between these worlds, safety is key. Because life in the circus is all about questioning boundaries, bending rules and changing perspectives, often while in close interaction with others. How can we provide a safe environment and take care of ourselves and others?
Join the conference on technical, physical and psychosocial safety within the circus sector. The conference runs parallel to MAD Festival (11-14 April 2024) and MAD Convention (12-14 April 2024). We invite you to exchange, inspire and be inspired by taking part in our conference ‘Circus – a safe(r) space for danger', Antwerp, 10-12 April 2024.
CIRCUSCENTRUM is the sector organisation for the Flemish circus arts. Circuscentrum works on practical support and development for the sector, image and promotion of the circus arts, and assumes a platform function. Through, among other things, tailored advice, consultation opportunities, training and further education, international presence and publications such as the quarterly Circusmagazine, Circuscentrum provides a solid foundation on which the sector can continue to build.
MAD FESTIVAL is a new Antwerp circus platform. MAD offers residencies and master classes and supports emerging circus companies and artists, culminating in an annual four-day festival, linked to an international convention. Activities and public moments during the year give an insight and a taste of what grows and develops in the womb of MAD. MAD dares and surprises. MAD in Antwerp. MAD about circus.
FEDEC is an international network for professional circus education aiming at supporting the development and evolution of training, teaching and creation in the sector. Its members are professional circus arts training institutions (secondary, vocational, preparatory and higher education) but also national associations, unions, circus hubs or festivals related to circus arts training and education.
CIRCOSTRADA is the European Network for contemporary circus and outdoor arts. Created in 2003 with the core mission of furthering the development, empowerment and recognition of these fields at European and international levels, over the years the network has become an important anchoring point for its members and a key interlocutor in the dialogue with cultural policy makers across Europe.
EYCO's mission is to champion and elevate the vibrant world of youth circus by fostering cooperation among its member organisations. Together, we work to promote, nurture, and advance the circus arts among the youth of our continent. With a shared commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and responsible circus practices, EYCO is a driving force in ensuring that the circus arts continue to thrive in Europe.
CARAVAN is an international youth and social circus network of circus schools from across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, America and Asia, that advocates for the positive impact of youth and social circus. The network was established in 2008 by 7 European circus schools, with a common goal to use social circus as an educational tool and to dedicate this work to groups from disadvantaged backgrounds with specific needs.