“En Piste is very pleased to announce the opening of the call for applications for the second edition of the CALQ Award for Best Circus Work. We warmly thank the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec for its trust and commitment to the circus community. This award represents essential recognition for artists and companies, and it makes a concrete contribution to highlighting circus creation in Québec,” says Nadia Drouin, Executive Director of En Piste, National Circus Arts Alliance.
This award, accompanied by a $10,000 prize, aims to recognize the artistic excellence of a circus work presented in Quebec for the first time between January 1 and December 31, 2025.
Created to fully acknowledge circus as an artistic discipline in its own right, the CALQ Award for Best Circus Work shines a spotlight on creations that stand out for the quality of their artistic approach, the strength of their circus language, and their contribution to the development of the discipline. It reflects a shared commitment to supporting creation, encouraging artistic risk-taking, and fostering the visibility of Québec circus artists and organizations.
The first edition of the award, presented in 2025, marked an important milestone for the community. The inaugural CALQ Award for Best Circus Work was awarded to Scuse, a creation by Frédérique Cournoyer Lessard, recognized for the coherence of its artistic approach, the quality of its circus writing, and its significant contribution to the development of contemporary circus. This distinction helped affirm the place of circus within Quebec’s artistic landscape and strengthen its institutional recognition.
An Award Celebrating Excellence
The CALQ Award for Best Circus Work is open to professional circus artists, collectives, and organizations. It seeks to recognize a standout work for both the artistic quality of its vision and the integrity of the overall production, as well as the interest and strength of its circus language. Particular attention is also given to the work’s contribution to the development of the discipline.
Deadline and Application Details
The deadline to submit an application is March 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. All detailed information, including eligibility criteria, participation requirements, and application forms, is available on the CALQ website.
The CALQ Award for Best Circus Work will be presented in summer 2026, as part of an event organized by En Piste.