2025: Supporting Artists and Strengthening the Circus Sector
Galway Community Circus continued to support the growth and development of the circus sector in 2025 through professional development, training and international collaboration. By offering artists, educators and practitioners opportunities to develop skills, share knowledge and connect with peers, we contribute to a stronger, more vibrant circus community.
This year, our professional development programmes included workshops, mentorship, skill-sharing sessions and international exchanges - giving participants tools to grow both as artists and educators.
ASK Training & Skill-Sharing
We offered weekly ASK trainings (Assistant Trainers Sharing Knowledge) as well as weekly paid skill-sharing sessions led by circus expert Peter Duncan. Trainers shared expertise, learned new techniques and explored creative teaching methods, ensuring that every class at GCC as well as each trainer benefits from a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.
Seriously LOL: Erasmus+ Clowning Exchange, Belgium
This summer, two of our artists joined 30 participants from across Europe in Ghent for Seriously LOL, an Erasmus+ clowning exchange. Over 10 immersive days, participants explored the beauty and challenges of clowning through workshops, collaboration and performances. Highlights included:
- A visit from Clowns Without Borders
- A trip to Circus Ronaldo
- Participating in the Ghent Festivities, both as performers and in plain clothes
- Creating a clown parade at Ghent University Hospital where participants returned inspired, energised and ready to bring new ideas and techniques back to their own teaching and performance practice.
No Fit State Circus Workshops
During the Galway International Arts Festival, No Fit State Circus visited the city for a week of performances. GCC arranged private workshops for our trainers and volunteers under their big top tent, covering static trapeze, dance trapeze, acrobatics and acro balance. These sessions offered hands-on professional development and cross-pollination of circus techniques.
Induction Weeks
Before the new circus school year, GCC runs two weeks of intensive induction for staff, trainers and volunteers. Covering policies, fire safety, first aid, child protection and teaching methodology, these weeks also include skill-sharing and games. It’s a rigorous but rewarding start to the year, helping artists grow while fostering a strong team culture.
Looking Ahead
Our professional development programme ensures that GCC is not only a space for young people to grow but also a hub for circus artists and educators to flourish. In 2026, we will continue to expand skill-sharing, international collaborations and mentorship opportunities, nurturing talent, creativity and excellence across the sector.