Circus City is nationally and internationally recognised in the development and support of contemporary circus.
We are distinctly European, with a strong international profile and networks including as an active member of Circostrada European Network for contemporary circus and outdoor arts.
We advocate for the work of UK artists internationally and invite artistic collaboration across borders, showcasing cutting edge international work in the UK and leading network building initiatives like International Circus Exchange and New Authors Commissioning Network.
Based in an industry-recognised UK city of circus, we enrich our local and national community of artists and producers, bringing inspirational creativity, networking, employment and a responsive industry programme.
Alongside the festival, between 2021 – 2023, we have also been a convenor of Circus Change up, a research and consultation project aimed at developing an artist-led sector support organisation for circus. In 2025 we continued to honour this through a sector gathering within our festival programme.
Current Projects
New Authors (2023 – Current)
Since 2023 we have led the New Authors Commission and national touring network to provide much needed early stage support to artists developing new ideas for circus work and to strengthen relationships between organisations keen to support and present circus across the UK, with the aim of building an indoor touring network.
VISUAL Feats (2024 – Current)
VISUAL Feats grew from a consultation with D/deaf audiences in Bristol (2024), identifying a need for more D/deaf artists on stage as an essential factor for increasing their engagement with Bristol festivals. Developed in partnership with Deaf Explorer VISUAL Feats aims to respond to this call to action and to explore how we create conditions needed within the to develop Deaf-led circus.
Take Care (2025 – Current)
Circus City are a proud associate partner in Take Care – the first-ever EU project dedicated to supporting mental health and well-being in the circus arts sector. For more info click here
Past Projects
Four Nations International Circus Collaboration (2024 -2025)
In 2024 we launched a new network – International Circus Exchange – with Cirkus Syd (Sweden), Circusful (Belfast), and Summerhall (Scotland) as part of the Four Nations funding initiative by the Uk’s four Arts Councils. Fore more info on this project click here.
Doorstep Circus Project Filwood (2024)
In 2024 we secured a small grant to support Bristol Artists to create a new participatory work in Bristol. We worked with local artist Maddie McGowan to bring her Doorstep Circus Project to Filwood – helping explore what a participatory circus programme for young people in South Bristol could look like.
For more info on this project click here
Change Up (2021 -2023)
Between 2021 and 2023 we collaborated with national organisations on Change Up – a project to envisage a new sector support organisation for UK Circus rooted in a research project by Crying Out Loud – Circus Snapshot. Although Circus Change Up ceased in 2023 the initiatives and findings continue through our ongoing work, particularly with regard to supporting touring. You can find out more about the project by visiting the website here: Change Up.
You might be interested in
Bristol Harbour Festival, Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026
We are excited to be presenting a programme of circus at this year’s Bristol Harbour Festival. Performances in Queen Square on the Tidal Stage,
Bristol-made Circus: Artist Conversations
Circus City are happy to announce that we have been selected to lead one of Bristol City Council’s Artist Conversations projects. This means that
Anti-Racism Training Opportunity
Circus City, Contra Productions and Circomedia are collaborating to host anti-racism training for circus artists, producers and arts organisations. The 1-day course, Race Ahead,