From 13 to 16 March, twenty circus professionals from Flanders joined Circuscentrum on an exploration of the UK. Over three days, the delegation was the guest of a different organisation each day, was presented with relevant discussions and a state of play on both sides of the channel to gain a better understanding of working together in the future. Find out all about it in the article Liv Laveyne wrote about the working visit.

Although the Flemish and UK contexts differ in a number of ways, one thing is certain: we can learn a lot from each other. In addition to the various visits, these five Flemish companies had the chance to present their tour-ready work to an audience of British circus professionals: Tim Oelbrandt & De Studio with Spirals, Sinking Sideways with Cécile, Rode Boom with Ritselingen, Gedachtegang with Bare Body and Compagnie Krak with Bench Invasion.

Spotlight on Flanders

• PLOCK! - Grensgeval (29-30 July)
• L'imaginarium du Capitein Gustav II - De Machienerie (29-30 July)
• Les fabuleux aventures de Marquis De Quevilly - De Machienerie (29-30 July)
• Grasshoppers - Circus Katoen (12-13 August)

Spotlight on Flanders

• EXIT - Circumstances (26/28 August)

• Les Patineurs - 15Feet6 (26 August)

At the end of August (26-28/08), we took a number of professionals to London to introduce them to the festival and the work of UPSWING. During a strategy meeting, we explored how new creators and new stories can find their way to the stage. In November 2023, UPSWING came to Flanders for an exchange of expertise on new paths in the sector in the context of Flemish youth circuses. We used this exchange as a starting point for a journey of growth towards greater diversity in the Flemish circus landscape.

Spotlight on Flanders

• EXIT - Circumstances (1-2 September)

• Primus - 15Feet6 (2-3 September)

• « Encore une fois » - Tripotes la Compagnie (2-3 September)

• We Agree To Disagree - Collectif Malunés (1-3 September)

As part of the FREEDOM FESTIVAL SYMPOSIUM 2023, the Freedom Festival, in collaboration with Circuscentrum, focused on "the impact of circus arts on well-being", with a particular focus on children and young people. Ell Circo D'ell Fuego (ECDF) presented the TaRMaK project. A tailor-made circus project for children (aged 8 to 14) who have a history of domestic violence or who have grown up in difficult family situations. Circus in Beweging presented the Circus Clinic: The Art of Wellbeing project, an international Erasmus+ youth partnership that explores how circus practices and well-being intersect. In addition, Circuscentrum presented the development of a unique circus ecosystem and policy in Flanders.

Spotlight on Flanders

• Barrière - Sur Mesure (16-17 September)

• FA - Amoukanama (16-17 September)

• Grasshoppers - Circus Katoen (16-17 September)

• We Agree To Disagree - Collectif Malunés (16-17 September)

Circuscentrum attended the Out There festival with a delegation of Flemish programmers. We took part in the professional programme, with a particular focus on music and circus, and met a delegation of British programmers to explore and discuss creative alliances.