What does it mean to pass on knowledge—and how can circus arts shape the way we teach, care, and create? In this episode of Crossing Voices, we dive into the world of circus education through the voices of two artists who are reimagining how skills and values are transmitted across generations. Host Maaike Muis brings together Danka Sekulović, based in Serbia and active within the self-organised collective Cirkusfera, and Saar Rombout, a Dutch artist teaching in Stockholm and Rotterdam. Both explore the tensions between traditional and contemporary aesthetics, offering fresh perspectives on what it means to teach in today’s circus landscape. From activist pedagogy to creative rigging, their work challenges conventional models and embraces alternative approaches rooted in care, autonomy, and innovation. Whether navigating political pressure, burnout, or the everyday rituals that sustain community—like sharing coffee—their stories reveal how teaching can be both a technical and deeply human act. Through their practices, we glimpse a future of circus education that is bold, inclusive, and grounded in the lived realities of those who shape it. Interview, edit, VoiceOver: Maaike Muis Production: Kinga Kesces for Circostrada Music: Blue dot sessions more info and resources: circostrada.org

What does it mean to belong—and how can art help us get there? In this episode of Crossing Voices, we explore placemaking through the eyes of migrant artists who use outdoor arts to build bridges between communities. Host Maaike Muis brings together Dulce Duca, a Portuguese circus artist based in the UK and featured at the Out There Festival in Great Yarmouth, and Paulina Almeida, a Portugal-based artist involved in the MagiC Carpets platform. Both draw on their own experiences of migration to create projects that centre inclusion, diversity, and shared humanity. From festivals to residencies, their from refugee camps to local café’s their work shows how temporary performances can leave lasting social impact—transforming public spaces into places of connection, care, and collective identity. Crossing Voices – Linking European and international perspectives in contemporary circus and outdoor arts is designed to highlight the voices of key players in these sectors. This podcast is part of the red thread followed by Circostrada’s new project, CS Voices, fostering ongoing dialogue on pressing issues and inspiring meaningful change in the arts and policymaking for a more inclusive and sustainable cultural landscape. Production: Circostrada – Kinga Kecskes & Maaike Muis Music: Blue Dot Sessions More info & resources: circostrada.org

The magic of the big top is undeniable, but what does it really take to create, produce, and tour under one? In this episode of Crossing Voices, we explore the unique challenges and opportunities of staging performances in temporary circus tents. To set the stage, Déborah Boeno, co-author of The Big Top Guide with Axel Satgé, as well as of a case study through the prism of eco-responsibility on the BIAC festival, introduces us to the fascinating world of big tops, where artistry meets logistical complexity. Host Maaike Muis then brings together Julien Auger from Circus I Love You and Luke Hallgarten from the British company Revel Puck to discuss the intricate balance between tradition and innovation in contemporary circus. From financial and administrative hurdles to the raw realities of self-producing, they share honest insights and practical advice on what it takes to bring contemporary circus to life under canvas. At the end of this episode, you might also discover why it is better to not own cows... Crossing Voices – Linking European and international perspectives in contemporary circus and outdoor arts is designed to highlight the voices of key players in these sectors. This podcast is part of the red thread followed by Circostrada’s new project, CS Voices, fostering ongoing dialogue on pressing issues and inspiring meaningful change in the arts and policymaking for a more inclusive and sustainable cultural landscape. Production: Circostrada – Kinga Kecskes & Maaike Muis Music: Blue Dot Sessions More info & resources: circostrada.org

Art is a powerful tool for change, and this first episode of Crossing Voices explores just that. For its first episode ever, host Maaike Muis brings together Sergi Estebanel from Spain and South African artist-activist Tandile Mbathsa to discuss how art and activism intersect. Listen to Sergi speaking about transforming public spaces through rituals, while Tandile highlights the daily struggles of being Black, queer, and gender non-conforming in South Africa, using performance as a vessel for social change. Crossing Voices – Linking European and international perspectives in contemporary circus and outdoor arts is designed to highlight the voices of key players in the contemporary circus and outdoor arts sectors. This podcast is part of the read-thread followed by Circostrada's new project, CS Voices. The podcast aims to foster a continuous dialogue on current issues, bringing together diverse perspectives to inspire meaningful change in both the arts and policymaking, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable cultural landscape. Production: Circostrada- Kinga Kecskes & Maaike Muis Music: Blue dot sessions more info and resources check: circostrada.org Next episode January 2025. Follow and subscribe to be the first to hear it.

EN FRANCAIS: Cette semaine, dans AROUND FRESH, la série de podcasts précédant l'événement Circostrada FRESH, est en français. La presentatrice Maaike Muis discute avec la directrice d'ARTCENA, Gwenola David, de son rôle en lien avec Circostrada et des principaux sujets des événements FRESH. Comment est-elle tombée amoureuse du cirque et des arts de la rue ? De quoi est-elle la plus fière pour Circostrada ? Et quelles sont ses aspirations pour l'avenir du secteur du cirque et des arts de la rue ? Crédits : Cet épisode a été produit, monté, mixé et présenté par : Maaike Muis. Musique : Blue Dot Sessions. Avec un grand merci à Stéphane Segreto Aguilar et à l'équipe Circostrada, Kinga Kecskes et ARTCENA. IN ENGLISH This weeks AROUND FRESH, the podcast series leading up to the Circostrada FRESH event is in FRENCH. Host Maaike Muis talks with ARTCENA director Gwenola David about her role in connection with Circostrada and the main topics of the FRESH Events. How did she fall in love with the circus and outdoor arts? What is she most proud for Circostrada? And are her hopes for the future of the circus and outdoor arts sector? Credits: This episode was produced, edited, mixed and hosted by: Maaike Muis. Music: Blue Dot Sessions. With big thanks to Stéphane Segreto Aguilar and from the Circostrada team Kinga Kecskes and& ARTCENA.

This podcast is a collection of the thoughts and ideas that came up during the second edition of Spark. An event that took place between June 14th to 18th, 2023 in Elefsina (Greece). This cross-sectorial laboratory was co-organised with ARTCENA, Le Plus Petit Cirque du Monde, Elefsina European Capital of Culture, Institut français Paris, Institut français de Grèce, Teatroskop - South Eastern European Network for Performing Arts, it was an event on the question of placemaking or making territory through live performance. SPARK brought together a small group of professionals from across Europe combining Circostrada members, artists, architects, geographers, creative producers, artistic directors that exchanged best practices, experiences, build common knowledge and provided concrete recommendations. This podcast was commissioned by Circostrada. Interviews, production and host: Danai Maragoudaki. Production, scription, editing: Yannis-Orestis Papadimitriou Mastering, editing: Stefanos Konstantinidis. Circostrada is coordinated by ARTCENA and co-funded by the French Ministry of Culture and the Creative Europe programme of the European commission. If you want to know more about Circostrada Network's missions, activities, members, latest news and resources, check out www.circostrada.org.

This weeks AROUND FRESH, the podcast series leading up to the Circostrada FRESH event from September 20th till September 22nd 2023, we bridge over 8700km and a 6 hours time difference. Host Maaike Muis talks with Jin Yim, independent producer, programmer and researcher from Seoul and Joris Janssens, researcher and consultant at IDEA Brussels about the topic of SUSTAINABILITY from their perspectvives. How do they see SUSTAINABILITY? And how do they apply SUSTAINABILITY in their work and research in the OUTDOOR ARTS and CIRCUS sector? Don't forget to register for FRESH via https://bit.ly/FRESH2023REGISTER Registration is open till July 30th and only 350 seats are available. Credits: This episode was produced, edited, mixed and hosted by: Maaike Muis. Music: Blue Dot Sessions With big thanks to Jin Yim and Joris Janssens. and from the Circostrada team Kinga Kecskes and Stéphane Segreto Aguilar & ARTCENA. Subscribe to this podcast and be the first to hear new episodes!

FRESH 2023 is thé international event for the outdoor arts and circus sector organized by Circostrada and its members. From September 20th till September 22nd Paris and its region is buzzing with Fresh activities. This podcast series brings you up to speed with the main topics, partner organizations and some of the key speakers at FRESH 2023. Listen to AROUND FRESH wherever you get your podcasts. MORE INFO: https://www.circostrada.org/en/actions/fresh-2023

This weeks AROUND FRESH, the podcast series leading up to the Circostrada FRESH event from September 20th till September 22nd 2023, we'll take you on a sneak peak behind the scenes. Host Maaike Muis talks with Circostrada coordinator Stéphane Segreto Aguilar about the preparations for FRESH 2023 and his work for Circostrada. What is he most proud of? And what makes this FRESH so different than the pervious editions? Don't forget to register for FRESH via https://bit.ly/FRESH2023REGISTER Registration is open till July 30th and only 350 seats are available. Credits: This episode was produced, edited, mixed and hosted by: Maaike Muis. Music: Blue Dot Sessions. With big thanks to Stéphane Segreto Aguilar and from the Circostrada team Kinga Kecskes and& ARTCENA. Subscribe to this podcast and be the first to hear new episodes!

This weeks AROUND FRESH, the podcast series leading up to the Circostrada FRESH event from September 20th till September 22nd 2023, we bridge over 10.000km and a 6 hours time difference. Host Maaike Muis talks with Anna Giribet Argilès, Artistic director of FiraTàrrega in Tàrrega, Catalonia and Sebastián de la Cuesta from residency space Checoeslovaquia, in Santiago de Chile about the topic of CARE from the perspective of organizers. How do they see CARE? And how do they apply care in their work in the OUTDOOR ARTS and CIRCUS sector? Don't forget to register for FRESH via https://bit.ly/FRESH2023REGISTER Registration is open till July 30th and only 350 seats are available. Credits: This episode was produced, edited, mixed and hosted by: Maaike Muis. Music: Blue Dot Sessions With big thanks to Anna Giribet Argilès and Sebastián de la Cuesta and from the Circostrada team Kinga Kecskes and Stéphane Segreto Aguilar and ARTCENA. Subscribe to this podcast and be the first to hear new episodes!

What does SUSTAINABILITY mean in the Circus and Outdoor Arts sector? How do organisations like La Villette and Espace Périphérique apply it in their daily practice? This is AROUND FRESH 2023. A podcast series of seven episodes leading up to the FRESH 2023 event. Maaike Muis, host of this podcast serie, talks with Rémy Boris and Marie Chapoullié from 2R2C on SUSTAINABILITY. They will be host of the 3rd day of FRESH 2023. It's the 10th edition of the flagship professional meeting co-organised by Circostrada Network and ARTCENA, this time in collaboration with key partners located in Paris and its region. This not-to-be-missed “rendez-vous” will bring together contemporary circus and outdoor arts artists, programmers, journalists, producers, researchers, and policy-makers for three days of vibrant debates and exciting exchanges. Registration is open within the limits of 350 places available. Registration is open to everyone and is free, beside the booking of on-site lunches and a boat party ticket. https://bit.ly/FRESH2023REGISTER Credits: This episode was produced, edited, and hosted by: Maaike Muis. Music: Blue Dot Sessions. With big thanks to Rémy Boris and Marie Chapoullié and from the Circostrada team Kinga Kecskes and Stéphane Segreto Aguilar. Subscribe to this podcast and be the first to hear new episodes!

What does SAFETY mean in the Circus and Outdoor Arts sector? How do organisations like La Villette and Espace Périphérique apply it in their daily practice? This is AROUND FRESH 2023. A podcast series of seven episodes leading up to the FRESH 2023 event. Maaike Muis, host of this podcast serie, talks with Eleftérios Kechagioglou and Mathilde Lajarrige from Le Plus Petit Cirque du Monde in Bagneux about SAFETY This is the second of three topics highlighted during FRESH 2023. FRESH 2023 is the 10th edition of the flagship professional meeting co-organised by Circostrada Network and ARTCENA, this time in collaboration with key partners located in Paris and its region. This not-to-be-missed “rendez-vous” will bring together contemporary circus and outdoor arts players, artists, programmers, journalists, producers, researchers, and policy-makers for three days of vibrant debates and exciting exchanges. Registration started on May 15 and is open within the limits of 350 places available. Registration is open to everyone and is free, beside the booking of on-site lunches and a boat party ticket. https://bit.ly/FRESH2023REGISTER Credits: This episode was produced, edited, mixed and hosted by: Maaike Muis. Music: Blue Dot Sessions With big thanks to Eleftérios Kechagioglu and Mathilde Lajarrige and from the Circostrada team Kinga Kecskes and Stéphane Segreto Aguilar. Subscribe to this podcast and be the first to hear new episodes!

What does CARE mean in the Circus and Outdoor Arts sector? How do organizations like La Villette and Espace Périphériqe apply it in their daily practice? This is AROUND FRESH 2023. A podcast series of seven episodes leading up to the FRESH 2023 event. Maaike Muis, host of this podcast serie, talks with Raffaella Benanti from La Villette and Sylvie Cadenat from Espace Périférique about CARE. This is the first of three topics highlighted during the FRESH. Fresh 2023 is the10th edition of the flagship professional meeting. It is co-organized by Circostrada Network and ARTCENA, in collaboration with key partners located in Paris and its region. This not-to-be-missed “rendez-vous” will bring together contemporary circus and outdoor arts players, artists, programmers, journalists, producers, researchers, and policy-makers for three days of vibrant debates and exciting exchanges. Registration started on May 15 and is open within the limits of 350 places available. Registration is open to everyone and is free, beside the booking of on-site lunches and a boat party ticket. Credits: This episode was produced, edited, mixed and hosted by: Maaike Muis. Music: Blue Dot Sessions With big thanks to Raffaela Benanti and Sylvie Cadenat, and from the Circostrada team Kinga Kesckes and Stéphane Segreto Aguilar. Please subscribe to this podcast to be the first to hear new episodes