Cirko has a new director
The board of the Center for New Circus Cirko has chosen Jarkko Lehmus as the new director. Lehmus has been the acting director since March 2022. He holds an MA in Cultural Policy and Management and an MA in Dramaturgy. In his previous position as the producer of Cirko Lehmus was responsible for Cirko’s performance programme, projects, international networks and artistic development. In the selection of Lehmus, who ended up in the position through an open call, emphasis was placed not only on previous experience, but also on his understanding of circus as an art form and his vision for the development of Cirko’s operations.
During the past ten years Cirko has come a long way from a small association to one of the most important contemporary circus development centres and stages in Northern Europe.
In accordance with its 2022-2026 strategy, Cirko develops circus as an art through a year-round residency programme, artistic development projects, and presents a contemporary circus repertoire that is physically, emotionally and intellectually engaging. The performance programme is presented both in Cirko’s own premises in Suvilahti, Helsinki, and in co-operation with other state-funded theatres. The aim of the partnerships is to expand the audience base of contemporary circus.
Cirko also produces new contemporary circus performances in collaboration with Finnish contemporary circus companies and domestic and international co-production partners. Cirko’s new strategic emphasis is to develop collaborations with and from the communities of the constantly developing Kalasatama area of Helsinki.
Cirko’s director Jarkko Lehmus:
“Cirko can only effectively fulfil its core mission of supporting the artistic and professional development of circus collaboratively with the artists, audiences, Kalasatama area communities and other national and international partners. It is an honour to be trusted to guide an organisation that carries such importance for the entire field of circus art. First and foremost my job is to ensure that Cirko is a solid base where amazing and diverse circus art can grow wild and free.”
Further information:
Chairperson of the board Leena Rantanen
+358 40 724 3713
lmrantanen@me.com
Director Jarkko Lehmus
+358 44 732 1150
jarkko.lehmus@cirko.fi