Spotlight UK Circus is led by NoFit State Circus and Crying Out Loud and funded by the Arts Council England International Showcasing fund.
The initiative comes at a time when British contemporary circus is at a critical stage of development. Over the past 30 years the art-form has embedded itself in our cultural life, and in the past decade there has been a huge surge in the quantity and quality of work produced in the UK. There is now a body of companies primed to make the next step into the international touring arena.
Through Spotlight UK Circus up to 10 of the best UK based circus artists will be offered the opportunity to present their work at three key international festivals: CIRCa festival du cirque actuel 20 – 29 October 2017; Subcase Subtopia Circus Fair 14 – 17 November 2017 and Festival OFF d’Avignon July 2018.
The showcase aims to raise the profile of UK contemporary circus on the international scene, increase the capacity and ability of UK companies to promote themselves and tour internationally, and develop and support a new network of touring contemporary circus companies.
Audiences will have the chance to see exciting British creations, and selected artists will be able to make connections with potential international partners, and benefit from bespoke mentoring and support from either NoFit State Circus or Crying Out Loud. Presenting work in a new context will also provide a chance for artists to challenge their own practice with a positive impact on artistic content and development.