FRESH CIRCUS is an international event organised by Circostrada in collaboration with local co-hosts, designed to improve the structure, development and recognition of contemporary circus and outdoor arts in Europe and across the world. It gathers around 400 European and international players brought together around keynotes, discussions, thematic workshops, as well as artistic and networking activities. Each edition of the conference takes place in a different location around the world, always in collaboration with member organizations that act as local co-hosts and in connection with a festival. The conference is aimed at presenters, artists, academics, institutions, independent sector professionals, journalists, network organizations, platforms, policymakers, and EU representatives.
FRESH CIRCUS will for the first time take place in the Nordic countries. The 6th edition will be hosted in Stockholm and Botkyrka (Sweden) on 17-19 February 2027.
FRESH CIRCUS #6 is co-organised by Circostrada, ARTCENA, Subtopia, Riksteatern and Cirkuscentrum, in the frame of CirkusMania and CirkusExpo.
The theme of FRESH CIRCUS #6 is Circus as a force for collective futures. How does circus art instill hope and optimism for the future? How does circus act as a transformative and empowering collective force? How does it contribute to solidarity, resilience, care, democracy? The theme is based on Circostrada’s four-year project “VOICES” which highlights local perspectives and underrepresented voices.
Moreover, the local co-hosts Subtopia, Riksteatern and Cirkuscentrum will also present a panorama of the Swedish and Nordic circus scene. Through performances, meetings, pitch presentations, study visits, talks, and more, participants will gain deeper insight into the local context.
Performances and other activities will also take place on the days before and after the conference.
The three local co-organizers, with their different missions and organizational structures, join forces with the ambition of creating an event that reflects the breadth and dynamism of the circus sector in Sweden. By combining their perspectives, expertise, and networks, they aim to contribute to a conference where diverse voices and experiences can meet. The project is also being developed in dialogue with representatives from the circus field in Sweden and the Nordic region, who participate as collaborators, contributors, and participants. Together with local stakeholders, the co-organizers help shape an open, inclusive, and vibrant event that reflects both the local context and the wider international scene.
Circostrada is a European network for circus and outdoor arts. The network was founded in 2003 and works to strengthen these artistic fields through exchange of information, ideas, and best practices. More than 180 organizations in 45 countries are members: venues, festivals, residencies, resource centers, sector and umbrella organizations, mainly in Europe but also on other continents.
Subtopia is part of a municipal company owned by Botkyrka Municipality. In addition to presenting Swedish and international guest performances and offering residencies, Subtopia has, since 2007, actively promoted the development of contemporary circus—artistically and structurally—at regional, national, and international levels. Since 2019, Subtopia has organized the regional circus festival CirkusMania, and in collaboration with CirkusExpo also offers professional days for the circus sector during the festival.
Riksteatern is one of Europe’s largest producing and touring theatres. With ca 40,000 members, 235 local and 21 regional associations, Riksteatern enables over 3,000 performing arts events annually across Sweden. Since 2021, its mandate includes promoting the development of contemporary circus. Riksteatern operates locally, regionally, nationally and internationally through production, touring, infrastructure and artistic development, and collaborates with the CirkusMania festival. Through CirkusExpo – Nordic platform for circus arts organized in collaboration with Swedish, Danish and Finnish authorities—artists, producers and public stakeholders come together to present works, discover new artistic voices and discuss the future of circus.
Cirkuscentrum is Sweden’s national centre association for professional circus and a membership organisation for practitioners across the field. It promotes circus artists, companies, performances and projects nationally and internationally. The organisation supports presenters and organisers with guidance, expertise and recommendations, while strengthening its members through advisory services, daily training, professional development and advocacy for sustainable working conditions, artistic development and stronger infrastructure.
