$11.8 Millions for the Revival of the Circus Arts - CircusTalk

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$11.8 Millions for the Revival of the Circus Arts

Relief and hope for the sector.

En Piste, the National Circus Arts Alliance, welcomes the announcement by the Quebec Minister of Culture and Communications (MCC), Nathalie Roy, of an investment of $11.8 million to support the circus arts sector in Quebec. This support comes from the additional $147 million injected into the Economic Recovery Plan for the cultural sector, as announced during the unveiling of the 2021-2022 provincial budget on March 25.

The funding, which was allocated to the Conseil des arts et lettres du Québec (CALQ), will allow the circus sector to continue training, resume activities on international markets and circulate projects throughout Quebec, while providing increased support for research and creation.

“When I announced the first phase of this assistance less than a year ago, I let the circus community know that we would not let them down. The continuation of this support from the Quebec government will allow circus artists to maintain their physical fitness and the high level of performance of the troupes. In addition, the funds granted will help the companies to adapt their performances to the current situation while gradually restarting their international activities. I would like to add that the MinistĂšre de la Culture et des Communications will continue to monitor events closely, pursuing exchanges with the community and maintaining a healthy level of vigilance until the end of the health crisis,” said Nathalie Roy, Quebec Minister of Culture and Communications.

In June 2020, Minister Roy announced $10 million in support for the community hard hit by the pandemic. This gesture marked a historic moment as it was the first time that the distinct issues of this art form were recognized and that a financial envelope was dedicated to it.

“Today, I am very excited about this additional funding for the recovery of our sector. I especially want to thank the Minister for her attentiveness and her recognition of the circus arts community during this difficult period for us all. This is both a relief and a source of hope for the entire circus community. This support will allow artists, artisans and organizations in our milieu to stay in motion and keep their balance,” said Marie-Claude Bouillon, Chair of the Board of Directors of En Piste.

Today’s announcement once again highlights the importance of investing in the development of the circus arts in Quebec in a sustainable manner in order to preserve its strength, vitality, capacity for innovation and global leadership.

About En Piste

En Piste, the National Circus Arts Alliance, is the only umbrella organization for circus arts professionals and organizations in Canada. It works to create conditions favorable to the development of the circus arts. The artists, artisans, cultural workers, and organizations it represents work in all areas of the sector, from training to creation, production, promotion, and social circus.

This content courtesy of En Piste, National Circus Arts Alliance

Main image courtesy of Fleuve, Machine de Cirque © Loup-William Théberge.

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