Circomedia has been the pathway for most circus artists coming out of Wales and into the industry.
Now financial support has been withdrawn for those attending this well-established and highly respected institution that offers degree courses accredited by Bath Spa University. The only other route into professional training is to attend The National Centre for Circus Arts in London.
Circomedia is very often the preferred choice given its proximity to Wales, and its more performative-based curriculum. As well as it not requiring relocating to London with all the extra expense that involves. Denying aspiring Welsh circus artists the opportunity to attend Circomedia will be crushing the hopes and dreams of the young people who have dedicated themselves to their craft and their art.
Putting more barriers in the way of future Welsh performers will stifle what is a growing and exciting new sector in the Welsh cultural landscape.
In the past, to find high-skilled, capable performers, NoFit State has been obliged to cast many international artists from countries where there is a history of well-supported schools and the art form is better established and taken more seriously.
For our new show, we are thrilled that 45% of our company are from Wales, most of whom have come through the Circomedia course.
In the absence of effective funding, our homegrown circus industry is heavily dominated by predominantly white middle-class people who can afford to pay for classes and coaching.
Without an accessible degree-level education pathway, there is no way that anyone but the super privileged could make their in to the circus world. This decision will also directly affect our own young people’s plans who are currently training in Youth Circus classes at our base in Cardiff.
Circus training takes time, dedication, expert coaching, special equipment, and a suitable facility.
Without being forced to compete only for the limited space in London, there is no other possible way a young person can dedicate 3 years to learning their craft and developing their Art.
If this is now the only route available to Welsh artists, then it is a step backwards in equality of opportunity and a step backwards for the ecology of art in Wales.
We urge the Welsh Government to reconsider this punitive decision and allow what is only very small number of individuals to access the financial support that is available to everyone else.
If you care about the future of the circus, and about fairness and what’s right, please follow the link and add your name to the campaign and share everywhere.
