17.12.24
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: A Circus For All
At Galway Community Circus, we are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. Last year, we launched our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) policy, and in 2024, we continued taking meaningful steps to embed these principles across everything we do. Below is a snapshot of some of the projects we worked on in this area in 2024.
Partnering with Extraordinary Bodies
This year, we teamed up with Extraordinary Bodies, a UK circus company renowned for its inclusive practices, blending the talents of D/deaf, disabled, and non-disabled artists. Together, we delivered a transformative programme focused on inclusive youth circus practices, funded by the Arts Council Capacity Building Support Scheme.
Over two days, we hosted more than 20 youth circus practitioners from across Ireland in Galway for a CPD (Continuing Professional Development) workshop. Led by Extraordinary Bodies’ Inclusion and Access Facilitators - alongside professional and young artists - the sessions explored accessible teaching techniques, inclusive performance creation, and strategies for integrating disabled and non-disabled artists into ensembles.
Thanks to the support of ISACS and Creative Ireland, the programme sparked meaningful discussions about how we can better support young people of all abilities. It reinforced our belief that circus is an art form for everyone, regardless of physical ability. Read more about our partnership with Extraordinary Bodies at the link below.
ISACS EDI Project
This year, we participated in the ISACS EDI Project, joining other arts organisations Waterford Spraoi, Macnas, and the Irish Aerial Creation Centre to advance inclusivity across the Irish arts sector.
Led and facilitated by Noeleen Hartigan, the project involved workshops, data-gathering activities, and collaborative discussions aimed at analysing current practices and identifying gaps. A roadmap is being developed for building a more accessible and inclusive sector, creating opportunities for shared learning and growth.
Galway Community Circus EDI Audit
This year Galway Community Circus conducted a comprehensive EDI audit. Facilitated by Pete Duncan, this process involved engaging 21 contributors - including staff, board members, trainers, parents, and external partners - through interviews, questionnaires, and discussions.
The audit assessed our EDI policy, teaching practices, and organisational culture, exploring topics such as accessibility, inclusive teaching strategies, and outreach to underrepresented groups. While the process didn’t issue formal recommendations, it invited us to reflect deeply on our strengths and areas for improvement.
Key takeaways included consistent praise for our welcoming ethos and commitment to inclusivity, as well as opportunities to enhance accessibility, expand outreach, and embed EDI principles more fully into our leadership and communication practices.
Auditing Accessibility with PATH
Accessibility extends beyond our physical spaces, and this year, we partnered with our website developers, PATH, to assess and improve the accessibility of our website. We made essential updates to meet accessibility standards and laid the groundwork for future improvements in 2025, including making our newsletter and documents more accessible.
Looking to the Future
Our work in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion is an ongoing journey, and we’re proud of the progress we’ve made in 2024. Through meaningful partnerships, collaborative projects, and self-reflection, we’re taking steps to ensure that circus remains a space where everyone, regardless of ability or background, feels empowered to participate and thrive.
As we move forward, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible community, guided by the belief that circus is for everyone.