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What does the CLIMB leadership program entail?    In this episode we explore Circostrada's program for cultural leaders navigating the complex realities of contemporary circus and outdoor arts organisations.  The first edition, co-organised with Outdoor Arts Italia, brought 15 participants together in Piemonte, northern Italy, for three days of peer exchange, workshops, and reflection. Together with researchers and cultural managers Giuliana Ciancio, Dea Vidovic, and Luisella Carnelli, Maaike discusses what it takes to lead cultural organisations in challenging times — and how leadership can become more fair, sustainable, and inclusive.   The conversation touches on: How CLIMB was designed as a retreat combining theory, peer exchange, and embodied work;Political emotions and how they shape decision-making and collaboration;Feminist leadership, shared leadership, and participatory governance as frameworks for rethinking power;Soft skills, wellbeing, and the paradox of asking the arts to heal society while arts workers struggle with burnout and precarity;The importance of unlearning taken-for-granted practices.  Crossing Voices, a Circostrada podcast, connects European and international perspectives in contemporary circus and outdoor arts. Each episode fosters dialogue on current issues, bringing together diverse voices to inspire change in artistic practice and cultural policy towards a more inclusive and sustainable cultural landscape.   If you would like to know more, please visit circostrada.org Production: Magdeleine Goutierre– Circostrada Interview, edit, and host: Maaike Muis Music: Blue dot sessions

In this episode, host Maaike Muis explores how circus is shaped by cultural context, tradition, and geography. From traditional techniques passed through generations to contemporary, dance-infused circus forms, the episode examines how diverse cultural conditions influence circus in Sweden and Taiwan. Together with circus artists Amber Gibson Kong (Taiwan) and Karoline Aamås (Sweden), Maaike discusses how artists navigate their roots while developing their own artistic voice. And they speak about the tensions and paradoxes that can arise in that process. The conversation touches on: How circus education differs globally, Circus university DOCH in Stockholm and the NTCPA National Taiwan College of Performing Arts;How training environments shape artistic identity and creative practice;The balance between individual expression and collective creation, and how personal background plays a role in that;How audience codes vary widely: from traditional applause-after-tricks to contemporary theatre-informed responses.The episode reflects on how even within a shared art form, cultural frameworks deeply influence both creation and reception and yet at the same time that circus has the power to link these experiences.  Crossing Voices, a Circostrada podcast, connects European and international perspectives in contemporary circus and outdoor arts. Each episode fosters dialogue on current issues, bringing together diverse voices to inspire change in artistic practice and cultural policy towards a more inclusive and sustainable cultural landscape. If you would like to know more, please visit circostrada.org  Production Magdeleine Goutierre – Circostrada Interview, edit, and host : Maaike Muis Music: blue dot sessions

For the new season of Crossing Voices, host  Maaike Muis  brings together Anna Szepes, theatre maker and facilitator developing community based participatory projects, co-founder of the DePart Collective, and Azadeh Ganjeh, performance artist, researcher, dramaturge, activist, and member of the Rebel-Ist-ha! Collective. Together, they discuss freedom of creation, what it means to be free, and how to foster the right conditions to create. As Azadeh reminds us: "Artistic freedom is not about choosing between given choices. It's about creating choices." And sometimes, those choices mean creating spaces where people can simply be together—silly, goofy, nurturing each other—building the resilience needed for bigger actions later. Crossing Voices – Linking European and international perspectives in contemporary circus and outdoor arts is designed to highlight the voices of key players in the contemporary circus and outdoor arts sectors. This podcast is part of the red-thread followed by Circostrada's new project, CS VOICES. The podcast aims to foster a continuous dialogue on current issues, bringing together diverse perspectives to inspire meaningful change in both the arts and policymaking, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable cultural landscape. Want to know more? Read the Performing Art’s Coalition report Between Rhetoric and Reality: Cultural Rights, Artistic Freedom, and Democratic Resilience, by Elena Polivtseva.Have a look at ARTCENA’s documentation on Freedom of Creation (in French) Credits Interview, edit, voice-over: Maaike Muis Production: Circostrada- Kinga Kesces & Magdeleine Goutierre Music: Blue dot sessions

What does it mean to pass on knowledge—and how can circus arts shape the way we teach, care, and create? In this episode of Crossing Voices, we dive into the world of circus education through the voices of two artists who are reimagining how skills and values are transmitted across generations. Host Maaike Muis brings together Danka Sekulović, based in Serbia and active within the self-organised collective Cirkusfera, and Saar Rombout, a Dutch artist teaching in Stockholm and Rotterdam. Both explore the tensions between traditional and contemporary aesthetics, offering fresh perspectives on what it means to teach in today’s circus landscape. From activist pedagogy to creative rigging, their work challenges conventional models and embraces alternative approaches rooted in care, autonomy, and innovation. Whether navigating political pressure, burnout, or the everyday rituals that sustain community—like sharing coffee—their stories reveal how teaching can be both a technical and deeply human act. Through their practices, we glimpse a future of circus education that is bold, inclusive, and grounded in the lived realities of those who shape it. Interview, edit, VoiceOver: Maaike Muis Production: Kinga Kesces for Circostrada music: Blue dot sessions more info and resources: circostrada.org

The final day at the Hippodrome of FRESH STREET #5 has begun with a truly special keynote from the legendary Brian Eno who will spark some inspiration in a dynamic and powerful session. After that, a panel of artists and cultural professionals have taken the stage to unpack how artists are responding to today’s and the future’s global and economic challenges. How do creativity and resilience shape artistic practice in uncertain times? The roundtable discussion has united Seraina De Block (BE), Lucia Dubačová (SK) Ed Gillespie (UK), Mimi Lam (HK), Peter John Sabbagha (SA), Michael Sauter (US). This session was facilitated by Julia Von Wild (DE). The Live Radio was hosted by Dorothy Max Prior.

FRESH STREET #5 continued on its second day at the Hippodrome with a keynote by Vicki Dela Amedume, offering insights into communities and places, from her perspective as an artist. Then, a panel of artists and cultural professionals will come together to share ideas on how inclusive artistic practices can strengthen community connections, elevate a range of voices, and respond creatively to today’s social challenges. The roundtable gathered Tatiana-Mosio Bongonga & Jan Naerts (FR), Luke Horley (BE, FR, UK), Antonia Kuzmanić (HR), Alicia Laguna (ME), Jacqui Mackay (UK), Luis Petit & Prisca Villa (ES). This session was facilitated by Sho Shibata (UK).

Welcome to Great Yarmouth! We have started the first day with welcome words from the teams at Out There Arts UK, ARTCENA/ Circostrada, and Arts Council England, kicking off three days of conversations around Place, People, and the Future of outdoor arts. Then, six artists and cultural pros have explored the evolution of outdoor arts, its relationship with places, and its revolutionary spark. Is there a connection between popular entertainment and political art? The roundtable have united Chiva Bons (NL), Alba Colombo Vilarrasa (ES), Eddie Egal (DE), Paka Johnson (UK), Smriti Rajgarhia (IN), Do Verschragen (NL). The session was facilitated by Alexis Nys (FR). The FRESH STREET #5 live radio was hosted by Dorothy Max Prior.

What does it mean to belong—and how can art help us get there? In this episode of Crossing Voices, we explore placemaking through the eyes of migrant artists who use outdoor arts to build bridges between communities. Host Maaike Muis brings together Dulce Duca, a Portuguese circus artist based in the UK and featured at the Out There Festival in Great Yarmouth, and Paulina Almeida, a Portugal-based artist involved in the MagiC Carpets platform. Both draw on their own experiences of migration to create projects that centre inclusion, diversity, and shared humanity. From festivals to residencies, their from refugee camps to local café’s their work shows how temporary performances can leave lasting social impact—transforming public spaces into places of connection, care, and collective identity.   Crossing Voices – Linking European and international perspectives in contemporary circus and outdoor arts is designed to highlight the voices of key players in these sectors. This podcast is part of the red thread followed by Circostrada’s new project, CS Voices, fostering ongoing dialogue on pressing issues and inspiring meaningful change in the arts and policymaking for a more inclusive and sustainable cultural landscape. Production: Circostrada – Kinga Kecskes & Maaike Muis Music: Blue Dot Sessions  More info & resources: circostrada.org

The magic of the big top is undeniable, but what does it really take to create, produce, and tour under one? In this episode of Crossing Voices, we explore the unique challenges and opportunities of staging performances in temporary circus tents. To set the stage, Déborah Boeno, co-author of The Big Top Guide with Axel Satgé, as well as of a case study through the prism of eco-responsibility on the BIAC festival, introduces us to the fascinating world of big tops, where artistry meets logistical complexity. Host Maaike Muis then brings together Julien Auger from Circus I Love You and Luke Hallgarten from the British company Revel Puck to discuss the intricate balance between tradition and innovation in contemporary circus. From financial and administrative hurdles to the raw realities of self-producing, they share honest insights and practical advice on what it takes to bring contemporary circus to life under canvas. At the end of this episode, you might also discover why it is better to not own cows... Crossing Voices – Linking European and international perspectives in contemporary circus and outdoor arts is designed to highlight the voices of key players in these sectors. This podcast is part of the red thread followed by Circostrada’s new project, CS Voices, fostering ongoing dialogue on pressing issues and inspiring meaningful change in the arts and policymaking for a more inclusive and sustainable cultural landscape. Production: Circostrada – Kinga Kecskes & Maaike Muis Music: Blue Dot Sessions / Mixing-mastering Marius Kooy More info & resources: circostrada.org

Art is a powerful tool for change, and this first episode of Crossing Voices explores just that. For its first episode ever, host Maaike Muis brings together Sergi Estebanel from Spain and South African artist-activist Tandile Mbathsa to discuss how art and activism intersect. Listen to Sergi speaking about transforming public spaces through rituals, while Tandile highlights the daily struggles of being Black, queer, and gender non-conforming in South Africa, using performance as a vessel for social change.   Crossing Voices – Linking European and international perspectives in contemporary circus and outdoor arts is designed to highlight the voices of key players in the contemporary circus and outdoor arts sectors. This podcast is part of the read-thread followed by Circostrada's new project, CS Voices. The podcast aims to foster a continuous dialogue on current issues, bringing together diverse perspectives to inspire meaningful change in both the arts and policymaking, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable cultural landscape. Production: Circostrada- Kinga Kecskes & Maaike Muis Music: Blue dot sessions more info and resources check: circostrada.org Next episode January 2025. Follow and subscribe to be the first to hear it.

The second day of FRESH 2023 was dedicated to the concept of safety in the arts started during a morning session at Le Plus Petit Cirque du Monde. We had the pleasure of hosting a roundtable discussion with the facilitation of Chrissie Faniadis gathering Isabel Joly, Juhyung Lee, Clive Lyttle and Elisabeth Efua Sutherland, during which we have explored the importance of creating and maintaining safe creative spaces in order to regenerate the performing arts sector in general, and the circus and arts in the public space in particular.

On the third and last day of FRESH 2023 - International Event for the Development of Contemporary Circus and Outdoor Arts, we have explored the concept of sustainability. The day started with a morning session organised in partnership with De Rue De Cirque, inside the big top of Village de cirque festival. To open the session we had Eric lenoir, landscape designer, and author, who invited us to reflect on how we can integrate systems of cooperation that are omnipresent in ecosystems into our ways of creating and working. Marija Baranauskaitė Liberman and Andrea Salustri continued the journey via a 30-minute conversation on their mutual artistic practices through the lens of sustainability. We also had the pleasure to host a roundtable discussion with the facilitation of Gwendolenn Sharp gathering Danielle Devery, Joris Janssens, Théo Mouzard (Collectif Etc), Olle Strandberg Colling, and Jin Yim who shared ideas about how solidarity and cooperation can foster a more holistic approach to sustainabilit

The second day of FRESH 2023 was dedicated to the concept of safety in the arts started during a morning session at Le Plus Petit Cirque du Monde. We had Guillaume Dupuis, associate professor at Université Paris-Saclay who had introduced the concept of safety with an inspiring and powerful keynote. Darya Efrat and Osian Meilir have continued the journey via an artistic talk.

The first day of FRESH 2023 - International Event for the Development of Contemporary Circus and Outdoor Arts has opened in style the 3 days programme, starting at La Villette, with the opening words of Gwénola David - General Director of ARTCENA, Stéphane Segreto-Aguilar - Head of Development at ARTCENA and Coordinator of Circostrada, Gilles Pelayo, Head of Unit, EACEA B.1 CULTURE (established by the European Commission) and Christopher Miles, General Director of Artistic Creation at the French Ministry of Culture. Day 1 of the programme, was dedicated to the concept of care during a morning session at La Villette, with the intervention of Fabienne Brugère, philosopher and author, and with the hostig of a roundtable discussion with the facilitation of Katie Kheriji-Watts gathering Koon Allary, Emilie Buestel & Marie Doiret, Anna Giribet i Argilès, Sebastián De la Cuesta Gormaz and Lucho Smit. Listen to the talks here, with an additional closing interview of Fabienne Brugère.

EN FRANCAIS: Cette semaine, dans AROUND FRESH, la série de podcasts précédant l'événement Circostrada FRESH, est en français. La presentatrice Maaike Muis discute avec la directrice d'ARTCENA, Gwenola David, de son rôle en lien avec Circostrada et des principaux sujets des événements FRESH.Comment est-elle tombée amoureuse du cirque et des arts de la rue ? De quoi est-elle la plus fière pour Circostrada ? Et quelles sont ses aspirations pour l'avenir du secteur du cirque et des arts de la rue ?Crédits : Cet épisode a été produit, monté, mixé et présenté par : Maaike Muis. Musique : Blue Dot Sessions. Avec un grand merci à Stéphane Segreto Aguilar et à l'équipe Circostrada, Kinga Kecskes et ARTCENA.IN ENGLISHThis weeks AROUND FRESH, the podcast series leading up to the Circostrada FRESH event is in FRENCH. Host Maaike Muis talks with ARTCENA director Gwenola David about her role in connection with Circostrada and the main topics of the FRESH Events.  How did she fall in love with the circus and outdoor arts? What is she most proud for Circostrada? And are her hopes for the future of the circus and outdoor arts sector? Credits: This episode was produced, edited, mixed and hosted by: Maaike Muis.Music: Blue Dot Sessions.With big thanks to Stéphane Segreto Aguilar and from the Circostrada team Kinga Kecskes and& ARTCENA.