09.06.22
Choose Galway Social Enterprise: Choose Galway Community Circus
Did you know that you or your child can take circus classes in Galway while at the same time helping and investing in your community? Galway Community Circus is a circus school but is also a social enterprise. We exist to not only bring the joy of circus to Galway, but to improve the lives of our local community. Galway Community Circus was created to meet the needs of our local youth by offering a non-competitive, physical and creative activity in a safe and welcoming space. Our philosophy is ‘circus for all’, and we use the circus arts to teach young people, including those who are disadvantaged, at-risk and vulnerable, the tools to develop self-confidence, resilience and social skills while tapping into strengths and hidden talents.
“As we celebrate our 20th anniversary this year, we encourage you to come out and try a circus class or workshop! Everyone, regardless of age, ability or background, is welcome at our Circus. We offer classes for children and young people aged 1-25 and adults, inclusive circus programmes and workshops for schools, youth and community groups and professional development for artists,” says Ulla Hokkanen, Executive Creative Director at Galway Community Circus.
When you choose Galway Community Circus as an activity for you or your child, you are making our community more resilient, inclusive and sustainable. The nature of circus teaches social, personal and life skills, helping the involved youth to become active, self-aware global citizens. Circus is a support network that meets the educational and psychological needs of communities.
“Galway Community Circus has completely changed and impacted my life and future. Circus has allowed me the freedom to see myself in a different light – one where my personality is accepted,” says Juliette O’Donnell, Youth Circus Member and Tutor at Galway Community Circus. “It’s taught me about teamwork and how to compromise with others, how to persevere when I fall, and how to not be afraid or ashamed to fall. It’s taught me how to deal with stress and how to solve problems. Circus has helped me to not put limits on myself.”
Galway Community Circus is partially funded by The Arts Council of Ireland, Galway City Council and Erasmus+ which enables us to offer access awards to those who may need it. We also rely on the support of our community in various ways. Becoming a friend of Galway Community Circus at any level is greatly appreciated and when you donate, you are investing in young people and their futures. We involve volunteers in the running of our organisation and in our programmes and welcome and encourage anyone who is interested to get involved and be a part of this amazing community.
When you choose Galway Community Circus, you Choose Social – and you directly support our local youth and the future of our community. We hope you will consider supporting the Circus and other social enterprises in Galway.
The Choose Galway Social Enterprises campaign was carried out by the Galway City Social Enterprise Collective funded under the ARISE initiative by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Dormant Accounts Fund. The Galway City Social Enterprise Collective is made up of An Mheitheal Rothar, Bounce Back Recycling, Galway City Partnership, Galway Community Circus, GOCOM Radio and Westside Resource Centre.
