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As 2010 begins, the UK circus sector is facing the decade from a stronger position than at the start of the noughties. In the past ten years the confidence, style and standard of circus performance in the UK has improved, it is recognised by Arts Council England (ACE) as an exciting arts sector, audiences for the form have increased, and training within the sector – from youth training to accredited degrees – has grown. ACE investment has aided these changes, and organisations such at the Circus Development Agency have worked to raise the profile of UK circus arts.
Circus productions are being regularly presented in key London venues such as Sadler’s Wells, the Roundhouse and The Barbican. These organisations continue to find a strong audience for contemporary circus productions. We expect national venues will also grow in confidence in programming circus shows, giving our UK companies opportunities to tour and collaborate with venues across the country.
What the next decade holds for the sector is predictably dependent on the ubiquitous uncertainties around the economic climate, changes to the structure of ACE and the future government of the UK. When approached by companies, we suggest they think creatively about how to fundraise and open opportunities to perform their work in this climate. Events such as scratch nights, cabarets and arts festivals offer platforms for new work and can be pivotal to a company’s progression. We also encourage companies to think on a European level, which comes naturally to many circus artists as the form easily crosses national boundaries. Schemes for artist mobility and funding for projects with an international focus are popular and offer formative opportunities to artists. So, in the next decade watch out for more innovative circus shows in a venue near you…