The big tops: Where to move next?
Why would circus need to be (more) sustainable? What would the circus tent of the future look like? What are the values of contemporary circus and how do they influence its impact?
Image courtesy of Circostrada Network
Festival organisers, architects, designers, freelance producers and circus artists who have travelled and lived the nomad circus life were all invited to Tilburg, Netherlands, for the first edition of Spark, a cross-sectorical programme by Circostrada, with an aim to produce a concrete action plan. Representing different cultural backgrounds and practices, it seemed necessary to involve all these practices, given that circus and especially travelling circus is still one of the kinds of performing arts, facing plenty of ambiguities and unresolved issues. The inconsitency of regulations and standards, the financial insecurities, and the environmental impact of travelling with tents were some of the most important issues that were discussed and brought to the table, while the need to look for innovative ideas and policies was highlighted. Through walks in various locations in Tilburg, the participants were invited to discuss the innate characteristics of circus that could prove fundamental in designing its environmental and ecological sustainability and future, where ''Circus could show the way''.
Check out more, on the blog of Circostrada!