International Partnerships: Connecting Circus Across Borders

Galway Community Circus continues to strengthen international collaborations, connecting with circus educators, practitioners and organisations worldwide. These partnerships allow us to share knowledge, contribute to best practices and bring fresh ideas and skills to our community in Galway.

Through networks like EYCO, FEDEC and the Caravan Circus Network, we are active participants in shaping the European circus sector. Programmes such as the European Solidarity Corps also bring young volunteers to Galway, enriching our local work with international perspectives.

Network of International Circus Exchange (NICE) Meeting

In May 2025, GCC hosted Ireland’s first-ever NICE meeting, bringing together 70 youth circus professionals from 14 EU countries, as well as Palestine, Lebanon and Canada. Organised by EYCO and funded by Erasmus+ and Leargas, NICE has been a vital forum for sharing ideas, learning new approaches and raising sector standards since 2005.

Over three days, participants explored topics including:

Social and contemporary circus in challenging contexts
Circus pedagogy, teaching, and risk management
Clowning, performance, and creative development
Inclusive environments, youth accreditation, and mentoring
The impact of social media and social change on circus communities

Keynote speakers included Dr. Dean Kriellaars (National Circus School, Montreal; Cirque du Soleil Senior Researcher) and digital expert Dr. Jayne Rodgers. European circus networks EYCO, FEDEC, Caravan, and ISACS were also in attendance.

Workshop with Dr Dean Kriellaars at the NICE Meeting. Photo by Anita Murphy.

Introduction session at the NICE Meeting. Photo by Anita Murphy.

Circus Transformation 8 & 9

In 2025, GCC continued participation in Circus Transformation 8 & 9, an international social circus training programme run by the Caravan Network. Circus Transformation equips trainers with tools, knowledge and leadership skills for social circus initiatives.

Circus Transformation 8: 10 organisations participated, with modules hosted by Circus Fuskabo (Slovenia), Cirkus Cirkör (Sweden), Badabam Circus (Italy), and CIRQUEON (Czechia).
Circus Transformation 9: 16 organisations participated, guided by a newly formed Pedagogical Steering Committee, with modules hosted by the same organisations plus Galway Community Circus.

The programme focuses on four modules: Social Context, The Act of Teaching, Management/Steering of Teaching, and Circus Techniques & Creativity/Foundations.

European Solidarity Corps

One of our most rewarding international collaborations is the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). In 2025, we welcomed 8 volunteers from Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Germany, and the USA. They contributed to GCC projects, supported daily programmes and enriched our community with new perspectives, skills and energy. ESC volunteers gain valuable experience while helping build stronger, more connected communities.

Looking Ahead

Our international partnerships continue to strengthen GCC’s role in the global circus sector, while also bringing inspiration, expertise, and exchange opportunities back to Galway. In 2026, we look forward to further hosting, training and collaborating with circus artists and organisations worldwide, continuing to grow both locally and internationally.