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Description
The aim of the Circus Networks project is to strengthen and professionalize two platforms (networks) dedicated to the development of contemporary circus in the Czech Republic. Each of the two represents a different area of contemporary circus, exhibits a different membership base, and has different needs.
CIRKONET is a Czech-Slovak network of circus educators active in youth and social circus, where circus techniques are used in working with children and young people as well as with persons with disabilities (social, medical, psychological).
The Association of Contemporary Circus Professionals is an emerging platform designed to bring together Czech circus professionals: artists, producers, and promoters. Following a series of discussions about whether to create a single common network, we finally decided to keep both platforms intact, especially with regard to their unique focus and distinct goals. Thanks to extensive experience with existing practices as well as in view of the consequences of the coronavirus crisis, we believe that an urgent need for the professionalization of both circus networks has now emerged.
Within eighteen months, we intend to dynamically kick-start the activities of both networks, create two production and coordination positions at each network, and implement a number of activities in support of the development of contemporary circus. Key activities include the development of an Analysis of the Current State of Contemporary Circus in the Czech Republic from the perspective of circus education on the one hand and from the perspective of artistic and production activity on the other; the analysis will identify the most significant challenges and needs in the field while also seeking to continuously facilitate the resolution of identified issues within both networks. Both platforms will also offer a range of live activities, meetings, and workshops – both for their members and for the general public.