Presenting the four finalists of CAM's Propulsion award
The Propulsion prize finalists embody the richness and diversity of today’s circus arts. From early childhood to socially engaged clowning, through inclusion, creation, and presentation, their distinct yet complementary approaches reflect a vibrant ecosystem that positions Montréal as an innovative circus capital.
Barka – Girovago
Barka is a multidisciplinary creation that delights audiences with its festive moments, catchy rhythms, and spirited choreographies inspired by Colombian cumbia. This energetic and hybrid show uses the imagery and symbolism of a sea voyage to bring together artists from six countries. Barka conveys a positive message about diversity, resilience, inclusion, environmental issues, and life’s turbulent journeys. Presented in several Canadian provinces and in South America, the show will be performed in 2025 in Québec and Ontario. Directed by Juan Sebastian Mejia and Carmen Ruiz, the troupe also offers workshops and cultural outreach activities. Following the success of Barka, the Girovago company continues to integrate circus into its shows and is developing Llorona, soon to be seen on our stages. Watch the presentation video of Barka
La compagnie des autres – Supporting, Encouraging, Promoting
Since 2020, La compagnie des autres (LCDA) has supported, encouraged, and promoted circus arts in Québec in all their forms. Co-founded by Alice Kop with Antoine Carabinier Lépine and Nicolas Fortin, LCDA is described by Kop as “tentacular,” with areas of action spanning management, creation, and production through support before, during, and after each project. Its creation centre in Pointe-aux-Trembles hosts residencies, training sessions, acrobatic gatherings, events, and performances, notably during the PointÔ festival in early June. Thanks to its exceptional growth and reach, the company embodies the human dynamism of those working on stage and behind the scenes to build the circus community. In a short time, LCDA has become a vital resource with tangible impacts that are widely appreciated within the field. Watch the presentation video of La compagnie des autres
Le Mobile – La Marche du crabe
A landmark work in Québec’s circus repertoire, Le Mobile offers a gentle, shared experience for adults and infants alike. Created by Sandy Bessette, co-founder of La Marche du crabe, this show aims to make circus accessible through seasoned acrobats who ensure high artistic quality. Performing around a giant mobile, the artists use aerial acrobatics, songs, and text to express the emotions of parenthood. This form of close-up interaction with the audience, rare in circus, also offers an outing opportunity to break the isolation experienced by some parents with young children. The working conditions of La Marche du crabe’s collaborators are consistently optimal, and this commitment increases the company’s social value as a creator of youth-oriented theatrical and circus productions. Watch the presentation video for Le Mobile
Montreal Clown Festival
Since its first edition in 2016, the Montreal Clown Festival has seen continuous growth, highlighting local talents, international guest artists, training, peer exchanges, and humanitarian efforts. Thanks to its expanding partnerships, the festival showcases a variety of clowning approaches through indoor shows, street performances, and participatory evenings for enthusiastic audiences. With the rigorous work of Vanessa Rigaux and her team, and strong commitments to parity and representation, the event positions clowning as a catalyst for change, building bridges between communities. The festival emphasizes clowning’s permeability with other art forms, its embrace of vulnerability, and the risks it entails—all contributing to a unique expertise that enriches circus arts. Watch the presenetation video of Le Festival des Clowns de Montréal
CIRCUS ARTS AWARDS ANNOUNCEMENT
The presentation of both circus arts awards will take place before the performance of The Genesis, the opening show of the MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE festival, on July 3, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Véronique Fontaine and Ms. Nathalie Maillé will be present to announce the 2025 award recipients.
Thank you to TOHU and MCC for hosting the award ceremony.
