Introducing w/: A New European Co-Production Network for Contemporary Circus
A new push for contemporary circus begins with the launch of w/ (pronounced “with“), a network of circus presenters across Europe and the UK. The launch takes place at the CircusExpo event in Stockholm, where w/ will unveil its mission and announce its first co-produced performance: “Yes Person” by the Finnish circus company Sisus.
The Vision Behind w/: A sustainable, financially independent co-production model
w/ is a collaborative initiative designed to co-produce and facilitate tours of innovative circus performances. The network’s approach emphasizes financial, social, and environmental sustainability, fostering a thriving creative economy for artists and partner organizations.
Conceived and developed in 2024 with the support of the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation (Finland), the network aims to establish a sustainable, financially independent co-production model. Cirko – Center for New Circus in Helsinki coordinates the network for the first few years of its development.
Founding Partners
w/ is supported by a diverse group of leading cultural institutions across Europe and the UK:
- Bærum Kulturhus, Bærum, Norway
- Chamäleon, Berlin, Germany
- Cirko – Center for New Circus, Helsinki, Finland (first lead partner, starting 2024)
- Dynamo, Odense, Denmark
- La Grainerie, Toulouse, France
- Jacksons Lane, London, UK
- Kulturhuset Stadsteatern, Stockholm, Sweden
- Rigas cirks, Riga, Latvia
A Unique Model for Co-Production
At the heart of w/ is a commitment to shared resources, transparency, and collaboration. Each year, the network will co-produce one contemporary circus performance – chosen via an open call – and support its creation and touring across the countries and regions represented by the partners. This innovative model allows for both artistic excellence and a financially sustainable touring ecosystem, ensuring that the performances reach diverse audiences across Europe and beyond.
The financial framework is designed to benefit both artists and network partners. Artists receive fair fees and plenty of performance opportunities, while network members get to support the creation of great new art and earn commission for promoting, disseminating and hosting performances in their regions. Revenue from touring is reinvested to fund future co-productions, creating a self-sustaining cycle of artistic growth.
First Co-Production: “Yes Person” by Sisus
The inaugural co-produced performance, Yes Person, will premiere in January 2026 in Helsinki. Created by Sisus, a Finnish circus company based on friendship, joy and creative wildness and known for their innovative and physically skillful work, the performance promises strong artistic ambition and the ability to connect with diverse audiences. Designed for scalability, the production can adapt to a wide range of venues and includes minimal setup time, ensuring accessibility across various stages. Yes Person is being pitched for international presenters at CircusExpo.
What w/ Is Looking For
Future co-productions will be selected through an open call, with the next application round being held in 2025. To honor the foundational support provided by the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, the first performances in the run-up phase of the network will be from Finland. Later, companies from any partner country will be eligible for co-production.
The network seeks culturally curious circus makers with sustainable practices and a collaborative ethos. Artists should demonstrate strong communication skills, artistic vision, and an ability to create performances with a broad audience appeal. Companies must also show interest in community engagement, such as workshops, to enhance the social impact of their tours.
Collaborative Values and Goals
w/ thrives on a spirit of optimism, trust, and reciprocity. The network’s partners are committed to sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities to empower artists and strengthen the contemporary circus landscape. By promoting transparency and openness, w/ fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas and practices.
For more information on the w/ co-production network or Yes Person by Sisus, please contact:
Salla Kurronen
Head of Production, Cirko – Center for New Circus
salla.kurronen@cirko.fi
+358 44 794 2061