International Circus Arts Fair. 2009, April 3 to 5, Paris, Porte de Versailles, Hall 6
Edito
The International Circus Arts Fair did not exist before, it had to be invented, and here it is. The 2008 edition attracted 8000 visitors and brought together 98 exhibitors, assembling over three days a certain number of significant actors from the circus world. The 1st day exhibitors took a chance on the risks and perils of a first edition, as proved by their presence at this new event at the Porte de Versailles. This allowed us to test the idea of a Circus Arts Fair, and to measure the public’s and professionals’ expectations.
The International Circus Arts Fair’s course is found in the very definition of the term « fair », a demonstration place for the existing and the novelty: coming from four corners of the world, the family circuses, artists, companies, the cultural representatives of states and regions, the cities, schools, circus accessory & tent manufacturers, institutional, social and professional organizations, non-profit and charitable organizations. They will present their creations, their initiatives, innovations, structuring elements, in their respective professional sectors, which contribute to the development and to the promotion of the Circus Arts.
With or without tent, stable or itinerant, always contemporary whether it’s called " traditional ", " new " or just circus, on all the continents, the Circus never stopped existing, transforming, mutating, and continuously reinventing these enchanting forms. It continues beyond labels, aesthetics and differing economies, beyond the cultural and political differences, to bring together numerous curious youth and families, many times disadvantaged, with shows that are truly accessible, even performing in schools.
Emotion is shared during the circus show through agility, virtuosity, illusion, laughter, dismay, risk and poetry, the binding link between the artists and the public. In France, 14 of the population has affirmed that they frequent the circus.
But the Circus remains a poor art. More than any art, it has to find his new sponsors.
We propose and hope that on the occasion of the Show, corporations, artists and organizers will be able to form collaborations. Exhibitors and corporations may sponsor artists and events.
The International Circus Arts Fair is a time and place for the professionals and the public to create footbridges and to have fruitful encounters. Its objective is to bring together actors on an international scale, to redefine with them – with respects to heritages, influences, and crossroads - what defines circus and who makes circus today, to promote it, support and develop the diversity of its practices and aesthetics.
Long life to the Circus!
Paris, October 16th 2008
Savine Raynaud (Representative)
Joëlle Berrebi & Maxime Nikouline
Founders and organizers of the International Circus Arts Fair
© Balagan International. Salon Mondial du Cirque. Tous droits réservés
