Mad about circus since 1994
Ours is a rich history, one based on more than 29 years of love for the circus arts. Learn more about our evolution and what has helped form the alliance we are today.
1994 First steps
The director of the National Circus School, Jan Rok Achard, creates the first La Trac, a round table to discuss the state of the circus in Canada.
1996 An association is born
The round table results in an association of 12 circus arts companies. This alliance leads to the birth of a circus show, Parasol, the same year.
1997 En Piste is official!
En Piste is officially incorporated and becomes the first circus arts coalition in Canada.
1999 Under construction: a Cité des arts du cirque
During its first general meeting, En Piste works to create a Cité des arts du cirque in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil and the National Circus School. Later, TOHU would join in.
2001 A growing role
With the sector enjoying tremendous growth, En Piste expands its horizons and now welcomes artists, creators, trainers, schools, creative companies, support organizations, producers and festivals. In short, the entire circus milieu, without exclusion!
2001 The circus: an officially recognized art form
After several years of consultations, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec officially recognizes the circus arts.
2003 Professional development begins
With the support of Emploi-Québec and Compétence Culture, En Piste offers continuing education opportunities to circus professionals.
2008 Montreal and the circus: a love story
In 2008, the Conseil des arts de Montréal also granted official recognition to the circus arts. The Canada Council for the Arts followed suit in 2009.
2010 Montreal goes Complètement Cirque!
After nearly two years of concerted work with various actors in the field, En Piste participates in the very first edition of the Montréal Complètement Cirque festival.
2012 En Piste celebrates 15 years!
And as a birthday present, the organization becomes a finalist for the Grand Prix of the Conseil des arts de Montréal. A wonderful commemoration!
2016 A major survey
Four hundred and twenty-six circus arts professionals participate in a national survey and in 127 focus groups held in Toronto, Dieppe, Halifax, Vancouver, Calgary, Quebec City and Montreal. This completely pan-Canadian consultation helps clarify and corroborate the sector’s true state.
2017 Eye on our territories, promising future vision!
En Piste releases its Sector Development Plan 2017-2021 - Extending our reach for the national development of the circus arts.
2018 Inroads for the circus
Following the Master Plan, En Piste’s efforts lead to substantial gains in Quebec! First, a move by the CNESST to provide coverage for circus artists in training. The MCCQ also allocates $1 million to develop a circus arts training program. And En Piste contributes to a pilot project to help artists with career transitions.
2021 Creation of a show circulation measure
Creation of the Destination cirque program to increase the dissemination of circus arts in Quebec. It was set up with the support of the Conseil des arts et lettres du Québec.
2022 Creation of the first circus awards
En Piste creates the first circus arts recognition awards in partnership with the Conseil des arts de Montréal.
Today On the move, around the globe
En Piste continues to progress: it counts over 500 members whose influence is recognized internationally. Because the circus has no borders!