Circostrada, the European Network for contemporary circus and outdoor arts, has released an informative resource document focusing on “Touring, Programming, and Funding Big Tops in Europe.” The guide is the culmination of SPARK 1, a transdisciplinary laboratory organized by Circostrada in collaboration with Festival Circolo, held on April 28 and 29, 2022, in Tilburg, Netherlands.

SPARK 1, dedicated to the future of big tops in Europe, evolved from meetings during the Biennale Internationale des Arts du Cirque (BIAC) and Festival Circolo. The two-day event, hosted at Theater De Nieuwe Vorst, brought together a diverse group, including Circostrada members, artists, architects, and designers. Participants shared innovative practices and insights to envision the future of big tops and enhance the European circulation of shows under them.

The guide, aimed at artists, producers, and venues planning big top shows in European countries, covers essential topics such as administration, financing, organizing tours in Europe, technical aspects, logistics, security, parenting, disability, diversity, and expert advice for artists and presenting partners.

Authored by Axel Satgé and Déborah Boëno, with illustrations by Vasco Maio, the guide offers practical tips and in-depth articles. The authors emphasize the guide’s accessibility, prioritizing easy knowledge access for those entering the world of big tops for the first time.

The guide is available in both English and French, providing valuable insights for navigating the challenges of working with big tops in the contemporary circus and outdoor arts sector.  The guides can be downloaded from the Circostrada website.