Back in October we held the Circus Change-Up Conference 2025 as part of Circus City.

It brought together representatives from NPO organisations, companies, unions and freelance artists. We are pleased to publish our report, which captures the discussions from the day and outlines the key demands, challenges and points of interest identified, as well as actions and commitments made.

The 2025 Circus Change-Up Conference saw lively discussions on a range of questions:

• How can we hold spaces within our organisations to discuss mental health without stigma?
• What more can be done to support parents to feel safe, confident and welcome to bring their children when they need to?
• How can we lobby government for more meaningful investment?
• How can we collaborate to develop creative opportunities for emerging companies and mid-career artists?

The report provides a snapshot of industry thinking.

Are we approaching the end of circus skill specialisation?

How do we support 16-year-olds to decide to focus on circus? Remembering that they will be leaving with £27K debt?

Continued professional development needs to be supported in a joined-up way, with touring companies, schools, venues working together. Placement schemes and work-based training programmes work well – supporting entrepreneurial skills”

Access needs to be discussed in advance of the project beginning, with reasonable adjustments put in place. There needs to be personal access provision – with budgets to cover this – and Access to Work support put in place where applicable.

It was an inspiring day, which has galvanised those in attendance. Resulting actions include the formation of an advocacy working group which we are pleased to be part of, collaborating to build a national network and leverage support for the sector. Another outcome was the recent Midlands Circus Gathering; held on 23 January and co-hosted by Upswing, CircusMASH and New Vic Theatre, this was an opportunity for people working in circus in the region and beyond to come together and share ideas. 

We hope the report sparks interest and engagement, starts conversations, and encourages others to meet and take part in this burgeoning movement to build a flourishing, resilient and connected circus sector.

You can read the full report here. Circus Change-Up Conference Report 2025.pdf

Top photograph, Anna Barclay.