Cirko’s Artistic Residencies

The next Open Call for Cirko’s residencies will be held from 16 June to 11 August 2025.

One of Cirko’s core missions is to advance circus as an art form. This mission is pursued through a year-round residency program and various artistic development initiatives.

Cirko offers artists-in-residence high-quality spaces for artistic work in circus, and when possible, access to offices, stage technology, production support, as well as artistic mentoring—within the working hours of Cirko staff. Residency periods typically last from one to three weeks. During this time, artists and groups can train, develop their work, and, if they wish, share it with wider audiences, co-producers, or potential buyers in open rehearsals.

Cirko’s residencies are paid opportunities, meaning artists receive a residency fee while also paying a nominal rent for the facilities. For instance, in 2024, Cirko hosted 59 workweeks of residencies involving 132 artists.

Residency selections are made by a working group composed of Cirko staff. The selection criteria emphasize artistic vision, the professionalism of both the working group and the project plan, national representation, diversity, and the project’s compatibility with Cirko’s facilities. The program supports artists at different stages of their careers and welcomes projects in various phases of development.

Cirko’s Residency Types:

1. Artistic Development Residencies
Applied for annually in Cirko’s residency open call

• Cirko residencies
• Summer and Christmas residencies
• ”Esityskiihdyttämö” / Performance Accelerator

2. w/ Co-production Residencies
Applied for in a separate international co-production call

3. International Collaboration Residencies
Applied for in separate calls

• Circusnext Residencies
• Other international collaboration residencies
  (Goethe Institute Residency for example)

4. Short Residencies
Applied for in a separate call or agreed as part of a letter of intent / performance agreement

• Member Residencies
• Practice/Warm-up Residencies before Cirko’s performance season

5. Educational Collaboration Residencies
Cirko reserves residency time annually for newly graduated or graduating students from Turku University of Applied Sciences & Koulutuskeskus Salpaus.

Artists and groups in residency in 2025

Race Horse Company
Vilus.Art
Underhouse Production
Unleashed (työnimi)-työryhmä
Agit-Cirk / Sakari Männistö: Hypnos
Taigi Cirkas:Saucisson
Heidi Latva & Pauliina Latva
Usva Company: KIINNI
MimoArt Company
Jenny Mansikkasalo
Heidi Miikki ja työryhmä
David Martin and working group
Turun Taideakatemian valmistuva vuosikurssi
Company Kate & Pasi: Kulinaarikaaos
Out of Balanz
Aura Company Boxing
SASAK valmistuneet
Mira Ravald & Antonio Alemanno
Sivuun Ensemble & Kallo Collective: Naapuri
Opus Company
Saana Leppänen
Rae Reinvall
Liina Pietiläinen
Sanna Vellava ja työryhmä
Miradonna Sirkka
Ilmatila & Cirkus Mlejn
Blind Gut Company
Zero Gravity Company
Arctic Ensemble
Kallo Company: Tarina Plutosta
Company Humanimalis
Anniina Peltovako

(Due to cancellations and additional calls, the list may not fully reflect the residencies that will actually take place.)