International Collaboration

We develop the artform of circus through international collaboration.

Galway Community Circus develop, professionalise, and advocate for youth and social circus through involvement in key international and national networks, providing a rich environment for circus practitioners to grow and develop in. We bring international best practice and skilled artists and students to Galway through long-term artists residencies and EU schemes.

With support of EU funding, we provide a professional development programme for artists, daily training/rehearsal space, production support, mentoring and access for practitioners to an Irish and international network of circus professionals. We are working with University of Galway and other EU university and circus school partners to develop the world’s first third-level accreditation for youth and social circus.

We mentor and support other youth circus organisations across Ireland ensuring the growth and sustainability of a thriving Irish youth circus sector built on international best practice.

Excellence in Youth and Social Circus in an Irish context

We seek to pursue excellence in youth and social circus in an Irish context, learning from international best practice models.

Galway Community Circus provides a professional development programme for circus practitioners including short- and long-term courses run in-house and through EU partnerships, including Erasmus+ funded ‘Circus Transformation’ a course for 4 Irish artists per year to take part in 20 days of training in EU circus schools.

Still a growing sector in Ireland, youth and social circus is a well-developed and recognised art form and practice across Europe and worldwide. As there are no professional circus schools in Ireland, it is vital that we look at international models of excellence to ensure a high quality of practice.

Since the beginning of my journey as a circus artist, Galway Community Circus has been there to support and care for me... Since the first day I walked through the doors of this magical place, it has supported, guided, cared and inspired me to continue my journey as an artist, circus practitioner and teacher. Alex Allison, Maleta Company

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