Fresh Circus

FRESH CIRCUS is an international conference organized by the European network Circostrada. Its aim is to strengthen contemporary circus in Europe and globally. The event typically brings together around 400 European and international professionals for thematic discussions, lectures, workshops, and networking opportunities. The conference is held in a different location around the world each time—always in collaboration with member organizations acting as local co-hosts and in conjunction with a festival. The event targets promoters, artists, academics, institutions, the independent sector, journalists, network organizations, platforms, policymakers, and EU representatives.

FRESH CIRCUS will be held in Stockholm and Botkyrka on February 17–19, 2027, marking its sixth edition. This will be the first time the conference takes place in a Nordic country.

FRESH CIRCUS #6 is co-organized by Circostrada, ARTCENA, Subtopia, Riksteatern, and Cirkuscentrum, in conjunction with CirkusMania and CirkusExpo.

The theme of FRESH CIRCUS #6—”Circus as a force for collective futures”—explores the power of circus to inspire hope and optimism for the future. How does the art of circus act as a transformative and empowering collective force? How does circus contribute to solidarity, resilience, care, and democracy? The theme is based on Circostrada’s four-year project “VOICES,” which highlights local perspectives and underrepresented voices.

In addition, local hosts Subtopia, Riksteatern, and Cirkuscentrum invite participants to explore the Swedish and Nordic circus scene. Through performances, meetings, pitch presentations, study visits, discussions, and more, attendees gain in-depth insight into the local context.

A program of performances and other activities will also be available in the days leading up to and following the conference.

The three local co-organizers, with their distinct mandates and organizational structures, have joined forces with the aim of creating an event that reflects the breadth and dynamism of the Swedish circus sector. By combining their perspectives, expertise, and networks, they seek to foster a conference where diverse voices and experiences can come together. Furthermore, the project is being developed in dialogue with representatives from the Swedish and Nordic circus scenes, who are involved as partners, contributors, and participants. Together with local stakeholders, the co-organizers are helping to shape an open, inclusive, and vibrant event that reflects both the local context and the broader international scene.

Circostrada is a European network for circus and performing arts in public spaces. Established in 2003, the network works to strengthen these artistic fields through the exchange of information, ideas, and expertise. It has approximately 180 member organizations across 45 countries—including venues, festivals, residency centers, resource centers, and industry or umbrella organizations—located primarily in Europe but also on other continents.

Subtopia is part of a municipal company owned by the Municipality of Botkyrka. In addition to presenting Swedish and international guest performances and offering residencies, Subtopia has—since 2007—worked to foster the development of contemporary circus at regional, national, and international levels, in terms of both artistic and structural growth. Since 2019, it has organized the regional circus festival CirkusMania and, in collaboration with CirkusExpo, offers industry days for the circus sector during the festival.

Riksteatern is one of Europe’s largest producing and touring theatre companies. With approximately 40,000 members and a network comprising 235 local and 21 regional associations, Riksteatern facilitates over 3,000 performing arts events annually across Sweden. Since 2021, its mandate has included fostering the development of contemporary circus on a national level. Riksteatern operates at local, regional, national, and international levels—engaging in production, touring, infrastructure, and artistic development—and collaborates with the CirkusMania festival. Through CirkusExpo—a Nordic platform for circus arts organized in partnership with Swedish, Danish, and Finnish authorities—artists, producers, and public-sector stakeholders gather to showcase works, discover new artistic talent, and discuss the future of circus.

Cirkuscentrum is Sweden’s national resource center for professional circus and a membership organization for professionals in the field. The organization raises the profile of circus practitioners both nationally and internationally. Cirkuscentrum facilitates connections and provides expertise to event organizers, while supporting professional practitioners through advisory services, daily training, skills development, and other industry-strengthening initiatives. The organization advocates for sustainable working conditions, artistic development, and a functional infrastructure, while contributing to the long-term development of the circus sector.