Union of European Circus Schools

Union of European Circus Schools
Name	Union of European Circus Schools
Formation	1998
Type	Non-profit network
Headquarters	Brussels, Belgium
Area served	Europe
Membership	Circus schools, academies, training centres

Union of European Circus Schools is a pan-European network that connects professional circus training institutions across Belgium, France, United Kingdom, Germany and other European Union member states. Founded in the late 20th century amid wider cultural cooperation initiatives such as the European Cultural Foundation, the organisation coordinates curriculum standards, mobility programmes and professional exchanges among institutions like the École Nationale des Arts du Cirque and the National Centre for Circus Arts. It engages with policy frameworks including the Bologna Process, the European Commission and cultural funding bodies such as Creative Europe.

History

The network emerged from collaborations between institutions such as École Nationale de Cirque, CNAC, Circus Space, Institut del Teatre and the Francesco Totti Academy in response to cross-border initiatives like the Erasmus Programme, the European Cultural Foundation projects and the Council of Europe arts policies. Early milestones include joint curricula inspired by the Bologna Process, partnerships with national ministries such as the Ministry of Culture (France), exchanges with institutions like Palace of Versailles outreach projects, and recognition at forums including the European Commission's cultural conferences. Throughout the 2000s the organisation engaged with networks like European Network of Cultural Centres, collaborated with festivals such as Festival d'Avignon and Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and developed links with research centres including the University of Strasbourg Performing Arts departments.

Mission and Objectives

The organisation’s mission aligns with goals promoted by bodies such as the European Union, the Council of Europe and the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Cultural Diversity: to professionalise circus training at institutions like Circus School of Stockholm, foster mobility through frameworks like the Erasmus Programme, and promote artistic exchange with festivals such as La Biennale di Venezia and Venice Biennale. Objectives include harmonising vocational qualifications referenced to the European Qualifications Framework, supporting pedagogy influenced by conservatories such as Conservatoire de Paris, and advocating for recognition within cultural policy arenas like the European Parliament.

Membership and Governance

Membership comprises schools and academies influenced by models at CNAC, École nationale de cirque de Montréal (as an international comparator), National Centre for Circus Arts, Cirque du Soleil-linked training initiatives and municipal centres such as those in Montreal and Berlin. Governance typically involves an elected board drawn from institutions such as École nationale de cirque, representatives from national arts councils like Arts Council England, and advisory input from academic partners including Goldsmiths, University of London and University of the Arts London. Legal structures reference Belgian non-profit frameworks similar to organisations headquartered in Brussels and liaise with entities such as Creative Europe and the European Cultural Foundation.

Programs and Activities

Programs include mobility schemes modelled on the Erasmus Programme, intensive laboratories akin to workshops at Festival d'Avignon and pedagogical exchanges with conservatoires such as Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris. Activities encompass curriculum development influenced by the Bologna Process, artist residencies in collaboration with venues like La Villette and touring support linked to festivals such as Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Avignon Festival. The organisation also runs master's level modules comparable to offerings at Goldsmiths, University of London and professional showcases reminiscent of those at Cirque du Soleil partner events.

Accreditation and Standards

Standards draw on the European Qualifications Framework and quality assurance practices similar to those of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education. Accreditation processes reference benchmarking used by institutions such as Conservatoire de Paris and rely on peer review panels composed of faculty from National Centre for Circus Arts, École Nationale des Arts du Cirque, and academic partners like University of the Arts London. Certification pathways align with national ministries including the Ministry of Culture (France), regulatory frameworks in Belgium, and vocational standards promoted by the Council of Europe cultural programmes.

Conferences and Events

Annual conferences and symposia have been hosted in cities such as Brussels, Paris, London and Berlin, often timed with festivals like Edinburgh Festival Fringe and forums hosted by the European Commission. Events feature panels with representatives from Creative Europe, academic speakers from Goldsmiths, University of London, artistic directors from companies such as Cirque du Soleil and festival directors from Festival d'Avignon and La Biennale di Venezia. Workshops and showcases take place at venues including La Villette, Sadler's Wells Theatre and municipal cultural centres in Barcelona and Madrid.

Impact and Community Outreach

The network has influenced recognition of circus arts within cultural institutions such as the European Parliament cultural committees, facilitated student mobility via the Erasmus Programme, and supported community projects like social circus initiatives linked to organisations such as Fondazione Teatro Stabile di Torino and municipal arts programmes in Lisbon and Athens. Its outreach includes collaborations with NGOs active in arts education, partnerships with urban cultural projects in cities like Berlin and Brussels, and contributions to policy dialogues hosted by the Council of Europe and UNESCO.

Category:Circus schools Category:European cultural organisations