Circus Change UP: Designing a Circus Support Network
Photo: Gorilla Circus
Tuesday 20 July 2021
10am - 4pm (including a two hour break over lunch)
On Zoom and Qiqochat
“How can I find riggable rehearsal space?”
“What does a producer do and how can I find one?”
“Where can I see really great new circus shows that might work in my venue?”
“Where can I meet programmers and venues who might like to book my show?”
If you’re a circus artist, producer, venue or programmer who has asked any of these questions more than once then you need a sector support network.
Join the conversation on 20 July 2021 and help build a Sector Support Network that works for you.
In the morning session we will take inspiration from speakers with experience of alternative models of sector support. In the afternoon we will work together to build a new model of sector support for UK Circus drawn directly from the ideas and experiences of those ‘in the room’.
These two sessions are for anyone within or working with the UK Circus Sector who recognises the need for a more coherent sector support network and wishes to be involved in building one.
THE STORY SO FAR….
In July last year 120 artists, producers, venue managers and other stakeholders in UK circus gathered to review the findings of the Circus Snapshot (2019/2020) and consider how to build a resilient, forward thinking circus sector that could respond to the current challenges while also horizon scanning for new opportunities.
Circus Change Up was created out of this meeting. Circus Change Up is a process that has been running since last September. It is made up of Working Groups (open to anyone) focussed on addressing specific areas or activities within the sector eg. touring, creative development opportunities, our Covid-19 response etc.
Over the last 10 months Circus Change Up Working Groups have produced a Covid-19 Protocol for the Circus Sector, initiated research into mental health in the sector, set up the UK Circus Resource Group on Facebook, contributed to a successful ACE application for large-scale Professional Development Project led by No Fit State, and generated a plan for a major new Touring Partnership. They have also been a vital place for artists and other professionals to connect and network while meeting in person was not an option.
The Circus Change Up Working Groups were convened by a broad spectrum of artists, freelancers, NPO & venue employees including Lissy Lovett (Mimbre), Tina Koch, Kate Hartoch (Bristol Circus City), Ezra Trigg (Gorilla Circus), Charmaine Childs, Amanda O’Reilly (Worthing Theatres), Camille Bensousson (Upswing), Axel Satge (Split Second), Lynn Carroll (CircusWorks), Annabel Carberry (LiT Circus), Silvia Fratelli (Mimbre), Shaena Carroll (Pirates of the Carabina), Sascha Goslin, Vicki Amedume (Upswing), Kevin Wratten (Split Second) and Di Robson (BMT).
The first phase of Circus Change Up was supported by Crying Out Loud, Extraordinary Bodies, Mimbre, NCCA, No Fit State and Upswing.
HOW CAN CIRCUS CHANGE UP BECOME MORE EFFECTIVE AT SUPPORTING THE CIRCUS SECTOR?
To date Circus Change Up has remained a process rather than an organisation or a formal network or constituted group.
But the Working Groups have called for greater clarity about the purpose and structure of Circus Change Up.
In particular, they are seeking a consensus around four KEY QUESTIONS:
What should the structure of Circus Change Up be?
How will Circus Change Up create value/bring benefit to those who engage with it?
Who should lead Circus Change Up?
How will Circus Change Up be sustainable in the long term?
AGENDA FOR THE DAY
10.00 - 12.00 EXISTING MODELS
Presentations from Outdoor Arts UK, Caravan Circus Network, Baltic/Nordic Circus Network.
BREAK
14.00-16.00 THE DESIGN PHASE
Through facilitated exercises, discussion and activities that draw on the Existing Models we will construct our own models of sector support that address the challenges of sustainability, value creation, leadership and structure.
The day has been designed in two halves to allow people to catch up on other work in between. In order to make the most of the day you are strongly encouraged to try and attend both sessions.
For those who cannot attend in person we will record the Existing Models Morning Session and provide online/remote opportunities for you to engage in the Design Phase.
Sign up using the link below to receive your joining instructions for the event.