© Jostijn Ligtvoet

Company ALUD, founded by Daniel Fernández and Seraphim Richter, is a young, contemporary Flemish company that seamlessly intertwines rigorous technical research with a playful approach. Their work aims to challenge perceptions of a wide range of social issues through energetic, unpredictable, and humorous performances. They do so with their distinctive artistic signature: a blend of partner acrobatics, dance, and aerial acrobatics.ny

Present: Daniel Fernández López (artist and maker), Seraphim Richter (artist and maker) and Ella Hummel (rigger)

© Danius Putinas

THERE THERE Company is a contemporary circus company led by Toon Van Gramberen and Hanna Mampuys. They strive to create powerful, meaningful circus that is raw and authentic, placing the emphasis on the performer and the message rather than on the trick itself. Rooted in the circus discipline of hand-to-hand acrobatics, the interaction between bodies forms the foundation of their physical language.

Info https://www.theretherecompany.com/

Present: Hanna Mampuys, Xanthe vanderjeught, Théo Corre, Willem Rys, Helena Sirugue, Litte Van Horebeek, Mikaël Gak

© Maryan Sayd

Camille Paycha is a member of the Artistic Council of the Academy for Circus and Performance Art in Tilburg. There, she regularly directs collective productions and teaches embodied artistic research. In 2015, she graduated from the same academy, specializing in aerial straps. Since 2023, Camille has also been supporting students at the CNAC in France in their artistic development. She was involved as a co-researcher in The Circus Dialogues (continued). In addition, she writes articles on circus arts, performs with other companies such as Side-Show, and works as a dramaturge for Panama Pictures.

Info https://cpaycha.wixsite.com/campaycha

Present: Camille Paycha, Sofie Anny Nicea Velghe, Engel Peet

Ell Circo D'ell Fuego, based in Antwerp, ECDF is a dynamic circus organization and meeting place where artists, makers, and circus enthusiasts come together to learn, create, and inspire one another. Using circus as both an artistic and a social tool, ECDF supports talent development, fosters creativity, and helps build a strong, connected circus community.

Info https://ecdf.be/

Present: Arno Wauters (artistic coordinator)

Circus Zonder Handen (Brussel) is a Brussels-based circus school where high-quality circus training and artistic development pathways come together with a passion for urban circus. Accessibility and inclusion are at the heart of its mission: everyone is welcome, regardless of background or experience. The organization actively works to remove barriers and creates an environment where respect, diversity, and every individual's talent are valued above all else.

Info https://circuszonderhanden.be/

Present: Leander Vanhaeren (circus educator)

Circuscentrum is the support and sector organization for the Flemish circus sector. Under the Circus Decree, Circuscentrum fulfills key responsibilities that contribute to the development and support of the sector. Circuscentrum engages in a broad range of activities, from (teacher) training and information sessions on the Circus Decree to promoting artists, preserving circus heritage and participating in international projects. It publishes Circusmagazine and organizes pitch sessions for programmers. As a support center for circus arts, Circuscentrum is dedicated to professionals in the field. As a knowledge hub, it is driven by curiosity; as a platform, it fosters exchange; and as an ambassador, it champions a deeper appreciation of circus. Through collaboration with partners both within and beyond national borders, Circuscentrum strives to promote circus in Flanders and create opportunities for meaningful exchange between professionals across the circus community and other disciplines. It provides a solid foundation upon which the sector can continue to grow.

Info https://www.circuscentrum.be/

Present: Liv Laveyne (policy coordinator) and Séverine Van der Stighelen (responsible international development)

The Department Youth, Culture and Media is responsible for the preparation, follow-up and evaluation of Flemish policy on culture, youth and media, and for the follow-up of policy matters that interface with other departments. As a government organisation of the Flemish government, the department is committed to a creative and open Flanders. It wants to anchor culture as the DNA of society, in a way that is accessible to everyone.

Info https://www.vlaanderen.be/cjm/nl/cultuur/circus

Present: Machteld De Smedt (policy advisor circus arts)

The Diplomatic Representation of Flanders to Poland and the Baltic States is the diplomatic presence of Flanders. The Diplomatic Representation is based in Warsaw, where, as a part of the Embassy of Belgium, it represents and defends all the interests of the Government of Flanders in Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The Diplomatic Representation of Flanders is the first point of contact for all issues related to the Government of Flanders and its competences. These include education & research, arts & culture, the environment & infrastructure, agriculture & fisheries, economy & employment.

Info: https://www.flandersinpoland.eu/en/relations-between-flanders-poland-an…

Present: Matthias De Moor, General Representative of Flanders