Research Labs

31 August – 20 September 2026 | Leuven, Belgium

For three weeks, we are bringing together a maximum of seven artists or companies in Leuven for artistic research in circus and interdisciplinary performance. Participants explore their discipline, processes and share their experience with other artists and coaches, all through the central theme: space. We create time and space for research, exchange and reflection, free from production pressure.

This open call is aimed at both new and experienced artists.

Theme 2026: Public Space

This edition starts from the question of what place artistic creation occupies in society today, and how circus can relate to public space beyond traditional presentation venues.

Public space is approached broadly: as physical, relational, and societal space. The city of Leuven itself becomes an active site for research. While each project stems from its own artistic inquiry, the theme forms a shared basis for exchange between participants and coaches. 

Within this project, we approach space in the broadest possible sense: 

• Artistic space: the interaction between location and performance, where the environment enhances the performance and vice versa.
• Audience Space & mobility: space is also about how audiences move. Circus is uniquely suited to activating less obvious locations.
• Space for encounter & connection: circus is inherently generous while maintaining strong artistic quality. By claiming public space together, artists and audiences create spontaneous moments of encounter and connection between diverse communities

Yassin Mrabtifi

Yassin is a dancer and choreographer working at the intersection of hip hop, contemporary dance, and vogueing. Coming from outside the circus field, he brings a fresh perspective that challenges existing assumptions and opens new frameworks for thinking. His work often starts from public space and explores themes such as ownership, accessibility, and community.

Works with companies like Ultima Vez, Leon,..

Hanna Mampuys

Hanna works around audience engagement and intergenerational relationships. She explores the boundary between performer and audience, deepening the relational dimension of space. She also brings extensive coaching experience.

Co-founder of THERETHERE Company 

Ward Mortier

Ward has extensive experience with circus in public space. His work focuses on themes such as territoriality, accessibility, and collective presence in the city, strongly connecting to this edition’s theme.

Co-founder of Be Flat

Workspaces

Participants will get access to two residency spaces, each with its own characteristics: Cas-co (a residency space for visual arts) and the Predikherenkerk (historic church). This space will be the context for experimentation and research, alongside the public space that Leuven provides.

Sharing session

September 19th, participants present their research to an audience of circus-professionals and enthusiasts.

Practical support

• basic technical support
• exposure through CIRKLABO
• possibility to stay at host families
• expense reimbursement of €630 for the whole period
• €400–€600 travel reimbursement. We prefer sustainable travelling.