Intro

Throughout their careers, circus practitioners transition from one role to another. They navigate both informal and formal scenarios, taking up positions as educators, artists, or organisers; creating or performing, both on stage and behind the scenes. Ensuring safety in these transitions is crucial. How can we provide a safe environment and take care of ourselves and others? From 10 to 12 April 2024, the conference 'Circus - a safe(r) space for danger' took place in Antwerp.

Visuality

Over three days, 146 participants explored this question and the importance of technical, psychosocial and physical safety for circus professionals and practitioners. The event featured two keynote speakers, three panel discussions, one poster gallery walk and twelve workshops. This website gathers all content created before, during, and after the conference. We invite visitors to discover the articles written in collaboration with Around About Circus and explore the various workshops that were held.

To read and to listen

Conference
Sarah Vanheuverzwijn

QUEERING THE LEADERSHIP. Against the myth of a progressive circus

Text | Keynote by Gaia Vimercati

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Conference
Sarah Vanheuverzwijn

“I believe I can fly” “I believe she could fall”. Contemporary Circus Dramaturgy and the Perception of Risk

Text | Keynote by Dr. Franziska Trapp

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Conference
Sarah Vanheuverzwijn

Minister-President Jan Jambon on safety in the circus sector

Audio | Opening speech

Re-listen
Visuality

Engagement Statement & Safety Framework of the event

Text | A safer space for conference participants

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Conference
Sarah Vanheuverzwijn

Impact story: Safety in Flanders

Text | Two years of the safety drive in Flanders by Katrijn De Bleser

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Visuality

Safety in Flanders

Audio | A transformative journey focusing on safety in all its dimensions.

Re-listen
poster walk

Inspiring stories from the circus community

Text & Image | Poster gallery walk

Re-visit
Conference
Sarah Vanheuverzwijn

Trauma-informed, injuries monitored. Beyond safety and risk with new paradigms.

Text | Reflections on safety and risk by Nick Verginis

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Conference
MAD Festival

On collective atmosphere: safety values to be better together

Text | A retrospect on the panel during 'Creating Safer Spaces: a session for (circus festival) organisers' by Valentina Barone

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there there
Toon Van Gramberen

Consent: a frame for freedom

Text | Reflection on consent by Hanna Mampuys (THERE THERE Company)

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headshots

Mentally safe(r) spaces on stage and beyond: recognising danger(s) in circus and speaking up!

Text | A conversation between Amanda Homa, Miradonna Sirkka and Gaia Vimercati

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Conference
FEDEC

RIGGERS. How a Global Community is born

Text | On the RIGGERS' project journey by Lorenzo Albiero

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© Joakim Bjöklund
© Joakim Bjöklund

Creative Rigging: a DIY approach to artistic research

Text | An interview with Saar Rombout

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Organising partners

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CIRCUSCENTRUM is the sector organisation for Flemish circus arts. Circuscentrum focuses on practical support and development for the sector, promoting the image of circus arts, and serving as a platform . Through a variety of initiatives, including 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 logo

MAD Festival is a new circus platform in Antwerp. MAD offers residencies and master classes, supporting emerging circus companies and artists. This culminates in an annual four-day festival linked to an international convention. Activities and public events throughout the year offer insights and a taste of what develops within MAD. MAD dares and surprises. MAD in Antwerp. MAD about circus.

logo ecdf

ELL CIRCO D’ELL FUEGO (ECDF) is a haven for circus entrepreneurs, connecting children, teenagers, and adults to circus arts. It focuses on maximising discovery, development and entrepreneurship.

Supporting partners

FEDEC

FEDEC is an international network for professional circus education aiming to support 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) as well as national associations, unions, circus hubs, or festivals related to circus arts training and education.

Circo Strada

CIRCOSTRADA is the European Network for contemporary circus and outdoor arts. Established 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 policymakers across Europe.

EYCO

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

CARAVAN is an international youth and social circus network of circus schools from across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, America, and Asia, advocating for the positive impact of youth and social circus. The network was established in 2008 by seven 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.

The National Lottery is a proud partner in making ‘Circus - a safe(r) space for danger’ happen. Their support not only enhances the vibrancy of this event but also underscores the importance of safety in the circus arts.

Nationale Loterij Subsidie Circuscentrum cultuur circus

Flanders State of the Art

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Under the auspices of

The Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU