Support your CircusDanceFestival!
The CircusDanceFestival, one of the most progressive and diverse festivals for contemporary circus and dance in Germany, is facing financial challenges. Just before the program for its 6th edition is about to be announced, the CircusDanceFestival team feels compelled to go public with their current financial situation – and to reach out directly to their audience.
A European conference on mental health and well-being in the circus and performing arts sector
A European conference on mental health and well-being in the circus and performing arts sector: The CircusDanceFestival hosts the kick-off event of the first-ever Creative Europe project dedicated to mental health and well-being in the circus arts sector, Take Care. The conference focuses on mental health, covering topics from working conditions and health habits to queerness. In terms of exploring the relationship between the individual and the collective, the goal is to connect physical, psychological, and ethical aspects, while creating an intergenerational dialogue. Come and learn together with us!
Cultivating and Building Ecologies of Resilient Collaboration in the Circus Arts
2nd of April 10 -12 h
Collaboration is at the heart of circus arts, yet the intensity of creative work and demanding conditions can lead to exhaustion and burnout. How can we build teams that foster resilience rather than drain energy? How do working conditions affect well-being in the sector? This online workshop, part of the Take Care initiative, explores how team dynamics shape mental health in the circus sector. Drawing on Nora Bateson’s concept of Warm Data and insights from Brené Brown’s Daring Leadership, we will examine how interconnectedness within teams can either support or undermine well-being.
With Heather O’Donnell
This training program is aimed at cultural institutions and cultural practitioners.
For our accommodation program, we are looking for people who are interested in hosting one of our artists during the festival.
You will get a very special insight into the festival's happenings and meet exciting people from all over Europe.
Additionally, you will receive two free tickets for a show of your choice and two free drinks.
All further information here.
CircusDanceFestival in Cologne, June 6-8, 2025
For this year's CircusDanceFestival, we are looking for volunteers to help with set-up and dismantling, artist support, bar, box office and entrance. As part of the team, you will get a glimpse behind the scenes of the festival and have the opportunity to get up close and personal. Catering will be provided during your time on site.
More Information here.
We look forward to welcoming you!
We are partner of the Creative Europ project "Take Care", which is dedicated to promoting knowledge and awareness around mental health and wellbeing in the circus field. The project focuses on prevention and knowledge by raising awareness, providing training for artists, students and cultural professionals. Within international conferences at selected European circus festivals, the topic is discussed publicly. The project is lead by FEDEC - the International Network for Professional Circus Education.
The first international conference with public panels and numerous workshops will take place in Cologne, as part of the upcoming CircusDanceFestival:
Save the date for Saturday, June 7, 2025 in Cologne.
More information about the project: TAKE CARE - Circus Life in a Swing
Take Care is co-funded by the 'Creative Europe' program of the European Union.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the artists who applied for our 360° shorts Format and Film Program! The application deadline ended on December 15th, and it was a great success.
We received over 300 applications for the 360° shorts Open Call and nearly 200 applications for the Circus & Film Open Call, showcasing an impressive variety of creative submissions.
We are now entering the selection process with the festival team. We will be accompanied by two external experts with an international perspective. For 360° shorts, this is Kitt Johnson, choreographer and artistic director of the New Circus Festival in Copenhagen, and for Circus & Film, Ágota Harmati, artistic director of the Moovy dance film festival.
CircusDanceFestival is seeking original short pieces from the circus and dance field for a 360° audience on an outdoor stage. You have until 15th December 2024 to submit your best solo or duo work, in the air or on the floor, lasting up to fifteen minutes.
Applications are welcome from both established and emerging artists, a late-career changer or a cross-disciplinary artist. Your work can be funny, smart, contemplative, queer, poetic, critical... like to your taste. However, you should consider the context of an open-air setting and that we search for works that are performed 360°!
All the information and the application form can be found here.
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