Our Impact

Circability’s circus arts programmes brought the joy of circus to over 8,800 participants in 2023 alone, across Aotearoa. We strive to share social circus with people of all abilities and all cultures, in all our communities, by providing social-impact circus arts and intervention-based activities that directly address social needs. We do this by increasing the confidence, energy, creativity, and aspiration of people through the joy of discovery of these skills and activities.

Te Mana o te Whakauru - Power of Inclusion (POI)

POI is our response as we address the demand to grow the social circus network throughout Aotearoa via regional hubs, to increase access and participation in social circus for well-being for all.

POI is our unique, culturally responsive, training and development programme, leading to pathways to employment and growth for youth in the sector alongside the aim of a formally recognised professional qualification in Aotearoa Social Circus.

There is a particular emphasis and importance on an inclusive transition for our disabled and disadvantaged youth.

POI is the driver to encourage social circus as a career pathway option, with opportunities for leadership and growth that can lead to creative careers in arts & culture and beyond.

Our Research

Research has consistently shown the undisputed benefits of learning circus skills and arts to promote core strength, balance and motor control in people of all ages, all abilities, and all cultures. The social benefits of learning in a group include building trust and empathy, leadership and teamwork, and fostering self-confidence.

Circus is also an amazing tool to engage and motivate young people, to improve their physical and emotional literacy, overcome challenges, and gain the confidence to face whatever life throws at you. Circus worldwide has proven effective at impacting positively on school, work and life skills. Circability is an advocacy case study for Creative New Zealand.