Starting next fall, En Piste will embark on a new project: to build a touring circuit designed to support and propel the next generation of circus artists in Quebec. Faced with the particular challenges of this market, it seemed essential to us to implement a project that opens the doors of such a network to new generation artists, one that can meet their needs and aspirations.
Our initiative, supported by the CALQ, includes a commitment to offer in-depth support, a pathway to skill acquisition, and an increased understanding of the opportunities and challenges related to the preparation, implementation, direction, and promotion of a first tour in Quebec. The selected artists will also benefit from comprehensive support to develop engaging mediation activities and to maximize their visibility, discoverability, and impact in the digital realm.
For the first season starting in 2024, support will be provided by La compagnie des autres, which will assist the artists until their show is presented. This collaboration will notably allow them to create adapted tools that foster their autonomy. Le Petit Théâtre de Rouyn-Noranda, which participated in our first digital workshop last February, will, for its part, ensure the enrichment of participants’ knowledge regarding discoverability. This synergy of support will help forge new perspectives for everyone.
For presenters, we will provide fee assistance to those who join Destination cirque and commit to integrating an emerging artist’s show into their programming. Furthermore, we will ensure the preparation for hosting the shows.
To date, 15 presenters will participate in the development of the emerging circus artists’ circuit.
To take part in the project, companies or artist collectives must undertake their first tour in Quebec. A fee will be paid to them during the support and tour preparation period. They will be selected through a call for projects, which will take place in November this year. The shows will be chosen during meetings with the presenters participating in the circuit.
In summary, our project thus aims to establish the dissemination of emerging circus artists by strengthening the visibility of emerging companies with presenters and the public in Quebec; by developing the skills and knowledge of young circus artists in organizing show tours; by stimulating presenters’ interest in the various forms of circus; by introducing the public to diverse circus arts in line with emerging trends; and by designing eco-responsible and sustainable touring formats.