Cirko’s residency programme
Cirko's residency programme
Cirko’s residency programme for the year 2027
Please read the information below carefully before submitting your residency application.
When can you apply for residencies for the 2027 season?
- Cirko Residency
- Summer and Christmas residency
- Esityskiihdyttämö (Production Accelerator)
Application period June 16 – August 11, 2025 until 10am.
Who can apply?
Anyone can apply for a residency, but the working group must include a Finnish or Finland-based circus arts professional.
What kind of project can you apply with?
Seasonal Cirko residencies are intended for advancing work processes and artistic research. Summer and Christmas residencies can also be granted for development of a work that has already premiered, as well as for developing one’s own practice. A maximum of two project proposals per year are selected for Esityskiihdyttämö, with the aim of creating a work for a broad adult audience and a large stage.
You can apply for a residency period with several different work concepts or working groups. Fill out a separate application for each project if you are applying for a Cirko Residency or Esityskiihdyttämö.
What does the residency include?
The residency period begins with a kick-off meeting with Cirko, where the aims and goals of the residency are discussed together. A written agreement is made for all residencies.
1. Cirko residency
In a Cirko Residency, the artist receives support from Cirko for technical production of the residency and assistance for the stage technical implementation. The artist is offered production and communication sparring and dramaturgical work within the working hours of Cirko’s staff.
2. Summer and Christmas residency
The overall technical implementation of the Summer and Christmas residency is done independently by the group. The residency does not include production or communication sparring, or dramaturgical work.
3. Esityskiihdyttämö
A maximum of two project proposals per year are selected for Esityskiihdyttämö, with the aim of producing a work for a large adult audience and a large stage. Open rehearsals are mandatory in Esityskiihdyttämö, and there is strong support in production, technical support, communication & marketing, and dramaturgical work.
The working group has access to Solmu or Maneesi hall and the social facilities connected to the hall.
Selection Process
When making selections for the residency program, the following things are noted and evaluated:
- artistic thinking
- professionalism
- artists at different stages of their careers
- coverage of circus genres
- geographical representation
- diversity of genders
- suitability of the project to Cirko’s facilities
The selections are made by a working group consisting of Cirko’s staff.
The project being worked on may be in its early stages, but it must have a clear work plan that shows the project’s goals and the measures to achieve those goals.
Selections are based on the information provided in the application form and its attachments. Any changes must be reported to Cirko. The selections are conditional until a written agreement has been drawn up between Cirko and the working group for the residency period. The agreed residency period will not be changed (force majeure reasons will be taken into account if possible). Cirko may also select artists for the residency outside of this call.
For further information about the residency application, please contact technical producer Ina Niemelä, ina.niemela@cirko.fi. During July contact Jarkko Lehmus, jarkko.lehmus@cirko.fi