Social Circus Conference 2024

Workshops and speaker panels showcased the amazing work that the social circus sector is undertaking, demonstrating its impact on diverse communities, and youth in particular, for positive mental health and wellbeing outcomes.

Finland’s Taina Kopra’s two presentations “Sorin Sirkus: Role in Circus Sector Development in Finland” and ’The Journey of the European Youth Circus Network, Caravan', featured the EU Social Circus Trainer Curriculum and European collaboration, and were an impressive statement about the appreciation and support of the European Union for social circus.

For us at Circability, of particular interest were the huge advancements being made in tertiary qualification outcomes. It is inspiring to see the consolidation and depth of the work that has been accomplished towards the recognition of circus as an educational degree towards employment. 

We were delighted to have hosted Aotearoa’s first Social Circus Conference in March 2024. The theme "All Ages, All Abilities, All Cultures - Better Together” brought a broad sector of circus arts practitioners, academics and cultural advisors together from across Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Myanmar and Europe for a three-day immersion into social circus.

Supported by funding from Manatū Taonga / Ministry of Culture and Heritage, the Social Circus Conference gathered and acknowledged the many people and organisations that have created our circus arts legacy in Aotearoa. Each day had one main focus: Cultural Safe Spaces in Social Circus; History of Circus Arts, Community Circus and Social Circus in Aotearoa; and Future of Social Circus in Aotearoa and Global Context.Topics covered included reflection on historical to current social circus practice, alongside Matāuranga Maori presentations and a workshop on Whare Tapere - Toi Māori (contemporary practice of traditional Māori games of dexterity and play). 

A big takeaway from the conference is the diversity and depth of work being done in Aotearoa and globally, and the unique cultural impact of social circus as it develops and responds to local community situations and circumstance; this alongside the impact and value of international networks and collaboration provides opportunities for growth, up-skilling and new direction. 

Circability Trust has been making significant social impact through social circus for over 10 years; we are now delivering national programmes through our growing regional hub networks. Our organisation engages in innovative social circus programs and bespoke services, inspiring joy and well-being among children, young people, older adults, people with disabilities, and those on the margins of our communities. We are dedicated to inclusion, diversity, and accessibility, fostering real connections by facilitating a broad social circus format through schools and communities, inspiring youth development, well-being and leadership experiences, and creating inclusive employment pathways.