Circus / News
Circus City sets £10,000 target to secure next ten years
Marking its tenth anniversary of bringing world-class contemporary circus to the city, Circus City has set a £10,000 target to secure the next ten years of developing talent.
The crowdfunder, which has already amassed more than £1,000 in donations, is to be channelled into the Redfield-based performing arts organisation’s vision for the future.
They work to support the creation of extraordinary new performances, access to bold and beautiful art in unexpected places, and space for artists and communities to take creative risks together.
is needed now More than ever
The campaign also marks an important shift behind the scenes.
After operating for many years under the name Handstand Arts, the charity is now officially changing its name to Circus City.
It’s a move that reflects the heart of its work and the identity it has built throughout its ten years with artists, audiences and the wider cultural community.
Artistic director Nicole A’Court-Stuart said: “Contemporary circus is inherently resilient and playful, adaptable and can-do, driving change and innovating – it’s the perfect artform match for Bristol and to meet the challenge of reaching people where they are.
“We are honoured to continue and celebrate the legacy of circus in this city into the next 10 years with our biennial programme, and are excited to build on our work year round to support artists and bring new, innovative and transformative circus experiences to audiences nationally.”
The group recently announced that they are involved as an associate partner in Take Care, the first ever EU project dedicated to supporting mental health – photo: Paul Blakemore
Rhiannon Jones, executive director, added: “Since I joined Circus City in 2023, we have been on an exciting journey to establish our place regionally, nationally and internationally, whilst thinking about what this might look like for the years ahead.
“We have welcomed new Board members, built new partnerships, developed new projects and are thinking big for the future.
“At a time when funding for the arts is under threat we are proud to continue to provide a creative offer for Bristol that remains accessible and inclusive at its core.”
Over the past ten years, Circus City has transformed spaces across Bristol – from chapels to car parks, theatres to doorsteps – with circus that’s moving, political, and full of heart.
The group promises that the next chapter will have even more innovation, access and community focus.
They have a clear vision for the next ten years: a more inclusive, accessible and sustainable future for circus in Bristol and beyond.
They’re expanding diverse representation across their programme, team and audiences, offering sliding scale ticket pricing, improved access provision, and programming events across and beyond the city centre.
Artist support will run year-round, encouraging bold experimentation and connection.
They will continue to bring world-class circus to Bristol stages, championing the city as the UK home of circus and creating new pathways for local and national work to reach global audiences.
As a small but mighty organisation they say their overheads amount to only 1.5 per cent of their annual budget, meaning donations will go directly to supporting the livelihoods of artists and creative workers and making vital, shared artistic experiences happen.
Main photo: Paul Blakemore
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