Save the date: 17–21 November 2026 – Vilnius, Lithuania

From 5 to 22 November 2026, the tenth edition of Cirkuliacija will take place in various cities across Lithuania. Organised by Teatronas, Cirkuliacija is an international contemporary circus festival that brings together a diverse programme of performances, book and film presentations, professional activities and international networking opportunities.

This year, the festival will present the four CircusNext laureates that will be selected by an international jury in Paris in September. CircusNext is Europe's leading platform for contemporary circus and the only circus-focused platform co-funded by the European Union through the Creative Europe programme. Each year, an international jury of artists and cultural professionals selects the most promising emerging circus creators, with a particular focus on originality, artistic boldness and innovation.

Professional programme

The professional programme of Cirkuliacija will take place on 18, 19 and 20 November 2026 and will include:

• premieres and performances;
• pitch sessions for local and international professionals;
• seminars and presentations;
• meetings with cultural centres and programmers;
• informal networking opportunities.

The programme offers Baltic circus artists and organisations a platform to present their work, build international connections and explore new touring opportunities and collaborations. For international professionals, it is an opportunity to discover emerging artists from the Baltic region and connect with the local circus sector.

Who is this for?

In collaboration with the Lithuanian Culture Institute and Cirkuliacija, Circuscentrum is inviting circus programmers from Flanders and Brussels to join a Flemish delegation and discover the Baltic circus sector and the festival's international professional programme. We aim to create a diverse delegation.

This call is aimed at programmers who:

• are based in Flanders or Brussels;
• primarily or exclusively have a focus on indoor programming;
• are interested in discovering the Baltic region and the international circus sector;
• are keen to meet new artists and organisations and explore potential international collaborations ;
• do not receive structural funding under the Flemish Circus Decree;
• have not yet previously participated in a visit to Lithuania funded by the Lithuanian Culture Institute

Financial support

With the support of the Lithuanian Culture Institute and Circuscentrum, up to four Flemish circus programmers can receive financial support for their participation.

The support covers:

• flight to and from Vilnius;
• Accommodation during the festival for the nights of 17, 18, 19 and 20 November.

Programmers who do not require financial support, but would nevertheless like to attend Cirkuliacija and join the Flemish delegation, are of course very welcome to participate.

How to apply?

1. Apply by 18 September 2026

Would you like to join the Flemish delegation and take part in this professional exchange? Please indicate your interest via the Circuscentrum application form and briefly explain why this exchange would be relevant to you and your organisation. Programmers who do not require financial support but would nevertheless like to attend Cirkuliacija and join the Flemish delegation are, of course, very welcome. They can indicate this in the application form.

2. Selection for financial support
If you are selected for financial support, we will contact you by 23 september 2026 at the latest. The Lithuanian Culture Institute and Circuscentrum will coordinate to arrange your travel and accommodation.

3. Professional programme
The professional programme of Cirkuliacija will take place on 18, 19 and 20 November 2026.

Practical information: the Flemish delegation is scheduled to travel to Vilnius on 17 November2026 and return on 21 November 2026.

Interested in discovering the Baltic circus sector, meeting new artists and building international connections? Apply now and join the Flemish delegation to Cirkuliacija 2026!

The session is aimed at companies, artists and producers who want to present their work internationally and are looking for new performance, networking and collaboration opportunities within the context of Fringe Festivals.

Dan Renwick will take you into the world of Fringe festivals and the Baltic Nordic Fringe Network. Drawing on his extensive international experience, he will share practical insights into how Fringe festivals can help you present your work internationally and expand your network.

During the session, you will discover:

• what a Fringe festival actually is
• how to find the Fringe festivals that best match your practice and international ambitions
• how to apply and what to consider when submitting your work

Dan is a circus and physical theatre-trained artist who has performed around the world — on stages, ships and in the streets. He is the founder and director of Tallinn Fringe Festival, runs a venue hosting around 400 events a year, and supports cultural practitioners with business and strategy to help them build sustainable careers in the arts. He is also a member of the Steering Committee of the Baltic Nordic Circus Network.

The session will take place online and will be held in English.

More information about the Baltic Nordic Fringe Network. This session is part of Focus Baltic Nordic.

👉 Register here

Following the success of the Flemish delegation’s participation in FRESH STREET #5 in 2025 (read more), we are launching another call for applications to join the Flemish delegation to FRESH CIRCUS #6. Our aim is to give circus professionals from Flanders/Brussels the opportunity to expand their international networks, discover the Scandinavian circus sector through CircusExpo, and immerse themselves in the conference’s central theme.

FRESH CIRCUS #6

Circostrada, the European network for contemporary circus and outdoor arts, will bring FRESH CIRCUS #6 to Stockholm on 17–20 February 2027.

FRESH CIRCUS #6 is an international conference on the development of contemporary circus, organised by Circostrada, the European network for contemporary circus and outdoor arts. The conference is organised in collaboration with Subtopia, Riksteatern and Cirkuscentrum, as part of the CirkusMania festival and CirkusExpo in Sweden.

CirkusExpo is a Scandinavian platform and meeting place for contemporary circus, showcasing the latest circus work from the Nordic region to an international audience through performances, project presentations, seminars and professional networking opportunities. CirkusMania is a contemporary circus festival that takes place at the same time as CircusExpo.

This edition of FRESH CIRCUS #6 focuses on the power of circus to inspire hope and optimism for the future. How can circus act as a driver of change and empowerment in times of crisis? What democratic role does it play in our society? And how can it strengthen solidarity, resilience and care? How can the voices of emerging circus artists spark our collective imagination and contribute to fair and sustainable societies?

The conference brings together European and international artists, programmers, policymakers and anyone interested in the theme. Circostrada will launch the conference programme on 25 November.

Who is it for?

Circuscentrum is offering circus professionals from Flanders and Brussels the opportunity to join a Flemish delegation at FRESH CIRCUS #6.

The programme provides an opportunity to discover the Circostrada network, attend conference sessions and connect with international professionals from the circus and street arts sectors who will be gathering for the event.

Through this initiative, Circuscentrum aims to create opportunities for the Flemish circus sector to establish international contacts and gain insight into developments in contemporary circus.

The call is aimed at circus professionals — such as programmers, artists and distribution agencies — who are interested in the conference theme and want to take the opportunity to further expand their international networks. We aim to bring together a diverse delegation representing a range of perspectives and professional profiles from across the sector.

Financial support from Circuscentrum

Circuscentrum offers financial support to circus professionals who wish to join the Flemish delegation. The support amounts to a maximum of €500 per participant and is intended for organisations/participants who:

• Are based in Flanders/Brussels.

• Are not (yet) members of the Circostrada network.

• Work in a field or have an artistic practice that aligns with the theme of FRESH STREET #6.

Circuscentrum can provide financial support to a maximum of 10 people.

Participants/organisations who do not wish to apply for financial support but are attending FRESH CIRCUS #6 are, of course, also welcome to join the Flemish delegation. They can register for the delegation by following the steps below.

How to apply

Would you like to join the Flemish delegation? Follow these steps:

- Let us know by 20 November at the latest via the Circuscentrum application form. You can also indicate whether you wish to apply for financial support and explain your motivation. If you are eligible, we will inform you by 25 November at the latest, and Circuscentrum will reimburse your expenses up to a maximum of €500 upon presentation of receipts. Eligible expenses may include the FRESH registration fee, accommodation and transport costs. More information about hotel options and transport is available on the Circostrada website.

- Circostrada will launch the programme and registration for FRESH CIRCUS #6 on 25 November and open pre-registration from 25 November until 13 January.

- FRESH CIRCUS #6 will take place on 17–20 February 2027. Departure is scheduled for 16 February, with return on 21 February.

more about fresh circus #6

From 28 September to 2 October 2026, a Finnish delegation of circus, dance and performing arts artists and dramaturgs will travel through Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp. During this international networking trip, they will discover the performing arts sector, meet local organisations and artists, and explore opportunities for exchange and collaboration.

The delegation consists of:

• Kalle Lehto (circus)
• Kerttu Opus (circus)
• Aino Savolainen (circus)
• Alen Nsambu (dance)
• Emmi Venna (dance)
• Karoliina Loimaala (dance)
• Homa Shokri (dramaturgy)
• Pauli Patinen (dramaturgy)

The trip is organised and accompanied by Circus & Dance Finland, the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux and TINFO.

The delegation will visit a range of performing arts venues and organisations. In Brussels, the programme includes Les Halles de Schaerbeek, KVS, Kaaitheater and Compagnie Thor. In Ghent, they will meet with CAMPO, VIERNULVIER, Circuscentrum, Danspunt, Miramiro and NTGent. In Antwerp, they will visit DE SINGEL and MAD Festival.

On 1 October, Circuscentrum, Miramiro and Danspunt will welcome the delegation for a day of exchange, knowledge sharing and encounters with the Flemish circus and dance field.

👉 Discover the delegation members and learn more about their work

The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux, Circus & Dance Finland and Theatre Info Finland (TINFO) invite programmers to the Finnish Performing Arts Apéro on 29 September 2026 at Studio Thor, Rue Saint-Josse 49, 1210 Brussels, from 18:00 to 20:00.

Registration is open until 20 September via the registration link.

👉 For more information, please see the invitation.

In August 2026, Circuscentrum was present at the Re Rīga! Festival. The festival, organized by Rīgas Cirks, dedicated this year to the theme “KOPĀ (TOGETHER)” and thus highlighted the importance of community, participation, and collaboration in the arts as well as in urban space. No fewer than three Flemish companies were part of the programme.

Performances
✨ Company ALUD – Maelstrom (BE) | 11–12 August 2026, 19:00 | Rīgas Cirks
✨ Camille Paycha – 60 Degrees of Separation (BE) | 13–14 August 2026, 19:00 | Rīgas Cirks
✨ THERE THERE Company – Hugs & Handshakes (BE) | 14–15 August 2026 | Vērmanes Garden

The Flemish focus was presented during a press conference in the presence of Matthias De Moor, diplomatic representative of Flanders in Poland and the Baltic States. In addition, the Flemish circus schools Ell Circo D’ell Fuego and Circus Zonder Handen shared their expertise with the Riga Circus School during the Social Circus Lab, and engaged in discussions on the power and societal impact of social circus.

The international festival for contemporary circus and street arts RE RIGA! took place from 11 to 15 August 2026 and once again transformed Riga into a vibrant circus stage, both at Rīgas Cirks and at various locations across the city. The programme included performances, masterclasses, workshops, talks, and participatory activities for all ages. For more than thirteen years, RE RIGA! has introduced Latvian audiences to innovative contemporary circus and street arts from across Europe and beyond. The festival has grown into one of the leading circus platforms in the Baltic region, bringing together artists, professionals, and audiences each year to stimulate artistic exchange, collaboration, and new encounters.

Discover the festival.

Organised by Rīgas Cirks, this year's festival revolved around the theme ‘KOPĀ (TOGETHER)’, highlighting the importance of community, participation, and collaboration in both the arts and urban public space. The theme came to life through a programme centred on interaction and connection, inviting audiences to engage closely with the performances—sometimes even as indispensable participants. A special focus of RE RĪGA! 2026 was contemporary circus from Flanders. Curious to see which Flemish artists and organisations took part? Discover the full delegation here.

From 15 to 17 April 2026, the 3rd Riga International Circus Education Conference took place at Rīgas cirks. The conference brought together a broad range of performing arts professionals from across Europe and the Baltic region, including representatives of formal and non-formal education, artists, curators, producers, and policymakers in education and cultural education.

The theme of this edition, “Roots and Routes: Pathways in Circus Education,” explored how contemporary circus education is shaped by both established training structures and flexible, hybrid pathways of professional development. “Roots” refers to formal education and long-term knowledge transmission, while “Routes” highlights diverse learning paths such as residencies, masterclasses, collaborations, and international mobility. The conference invited reflection on different development models, brought together Baltic perspectives and more established European approaches. Circuscentrum contributed a Flemish perspective during the panel “The role of education in the cultural ecosystem.”

more info about the conference