Circus workspace CIRKLABO launches an open call for circus artists and circus companies for blank space and/or co-productions for 2023 and 2024. Deadline: apply before 1 november 2022.

Apply now

Blank space

Artists and circus companies can work in complete freedom on non-result oriented (practical) research, experiment, creation and training in the context of the development of an artist and/or circus arts.

© Dirk Sevenants

Coproduction

CIRKLABO coproduces the creation of circus productions and the artistic research as part of the development of an artist and/or circus skills.

Collaboration TENT

From 2023, we will enter a collaboration with our dutch partner TENT, house for contemporary circus. With both our residency programmes, we will join forces around the theme of inclusion and diversity. In doing so, we will select a maker who will be supported by both organizations.

Support residency

After confirmation of the candidacy, a conversation between CIRKLABO and the artist follows in which needs can be supported. Depending on blank space or co-production this can go from:

  • a workspace
  • housing, catering and reimbursement of transportation costs
  • a network of possible partners in several domains (cultural, social, educational, scientific, high-tech, socio-artistic,..)
  • logistical, technical and communication support
  • a support budget to employ external collaborator
  • a co-production budget

Ad hoc residency?

CIRKLABO also offers ad hoc residency for circus artists. Are you looking for workspace without support? Let us know.

Need help?

Should you have questions on the support we can offer, or on the different locations we have available, you can contact us via:

Selection procedure

A reading committee, consisting of 6 members who represent the cultural (circus) sector in Leuven and Flanders, will judge the applications, formulate well-motivated advice and consult on matchmaking and other forms of support. Based on these judgments and in collaboration with the artistic advisory board, the CIRKLABO coordinator will select this year's artists. The CIRKLABO coordinator will invite the selected candidates for an interview, to make further practical arrangements and to sign the appointment notes and the bylaw. The committee will also judge applications that arrive past the deadline. Depending on the available space, they might also be honoured.

The reading committee

Besides the coordinator, the reading committee of CIRKLABO consists of three artists and three other professionals who represent the Flemish cultural (circus) sector. Each year, the reading committee changes composition. The committee gathers once a year to assess the OPEN CALL.

The artistic advisory board

The artistic advisory board of CIRKLABO consists of (at least) twelve members, with diverse profiles and of which at least four members are artists themselves. The advisory board is appointed for two years and will gather four times per year. It formulates feedback and advice - artistically as well as organisationally -, it shares networks and provides a critical counterpart where needed. Also, the board gets invited at possible presentations by artists in residence.