Open Call for Cirko’s residencies for the year 2028

Please read the information below carefully before submitting your residency application.

When can you apply for residencies for the 2028 season?

• Cirko Residencies
• Summer and Christmas residencies

Application period June 15 – August 10, 2026 until 10am.

THE APPLICATION LINK WILL BE ADDED ON JUNE 15TH

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.

You can apply for a residency period with several different work concepts or working groups. Fill out a separate application for each project.

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.

Cirko organises an open rehearsal during the residency with the Artist.

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.

Cirko organises an open rehearsal during the residency with the Artist.

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

THE APPLICATION LINK WILL BE ADDED ON JUNE 15TH