Galway Community Circus Wires Crossed in Jeopardy

Circus News

Galway Community Circus Statement Regarding Insurance Crisis–Wires Crossed Program in Jeopardy

For two years the Galway Community Circus has been planning a really big event–the kind that can transform lives and inspire change in their community, and it has all been centered around funambulism, also known as wire walking. Involving the local youth in the rigours of this challenging yet reawarding circus art was all meant to culminate in a huge event called Wires Crossed, which is slated to take place in August of 2020, but all of this has been jeopardized by a snag in the red tape.

A recent article in the RTE titled Galway Capital of Culture Event at Risk Due to Rising Insurance Cost explains how the situation is in peril after two years of extensive planning for this community enriching event,”As part of the process, young people from around Galway have been taking part in regular classes, to equip them for the performances. The initiative is billed as an effort to promote mental wellbeing and health by employing the disciplines needed for funambulism – the art of walking on a tightwire.” Author Pat McGrath goes on to explain how over 20 jobs and 650 classes for  members as activities have been put on hold and are at risk of being cancelled. Mc Grath elaborates on the action plan,”CEO Patricia Philbin said the difficulties highlighted the need for insurance reform. That call has been echoed by the Irish Street Arts, Spectacle and Circus Network. It is urging local authorities to act immediately to cover the activities in question, through a council-owned insurance mechanism.”

Later in the article, we hear from executive creative director Ulla Hokkanen who “said that instead of being able to work to counter the impact of excessive screen time and youth isolation, the Circus was being forced to close its doors to young people that were benefiting from its services” There is hope yet, as Galway 2020, the company set up to oversee the European Capital of Culture programme, is said to be  working to solve the problem. Meanwhile, the Galway Community Circus reached out to its patrons and members in the News section of their webpage with this heartfelt open letter that describes this conundrum that is effecting not only their work but all of Ireland’s sports and leisure facilities, and to describe steps you can take to help the event go on as planned.

"Dear Galway Community Circus Members, Parents and Guardians,

We are writing to you to let you know about how the national insurance sector crisis is impacting the activities of Galway Community Circus. Ireland’s mounting insurance crisis is resulting in organisation closures, affecting leisure and recreational facilities, sports activities and outdoor pursuits. Due to the national withdrawal of underwriters in Ireland, organisations are facing an impossible scenario of not getting quotes or cover, for their practices.

Unfortunately, Galway Community Circus is one of the organisations impacted. In 2016 the insurance premium for Galway Community Circus was €4,500 which jumped to €15,886.50 in 2017. In 2018 we managed to secure cover with an UK based company. This year, after months of endless hours of research and negotiation, we have been able to secure just one quote for insurance cover for our organisation for €23,890. Unfortunately, this excludes any aerial acrobatics or any activity above 1.5m.

We have been forced to accept this quote until we find a more suitable long-term solution. It is our intention to continue to work with our partners including Galway 2020, The Arts Council, Galway City Council, Alliance for Insurance Reform and Irish Street Arts, Circus and Spectacle Network to find a solution to this issue.

What does this mean for you?

All our classes will operate at normal times from Monday 18 November onward. Our class plans will be adapted to meet the requirements of the new insurance cover. This means that we will not be able to offer aerial activities until further notice while arranging alternative separate insurances for this area. We understand this is disappointing to some of you and we want to assure you that we will do everything within our power to find a solution. We will organise a community meeting around this issue in the coming weeks.

How can you support us?

We urge you to follow and show your support to the Alliance for Insurance Reform on social media (@insurancereformireland or insurancereform.ie) The Alliance is a representative group formed with the sole objective of reducing spiraling insurance costs in Ireland to sustainable levels and they are working hard voluntarily to ensure a national insurance reform and a future for Irish organisations.

Without national insurance reform our organisation will not be able to offer our services to the community in the future, therefore leaving 650 Galway youths without the activity they have chosen as part of their personal, creative and physical development. The health and safety and happiness of our members has always been paramount in everything we do and we continue to work hard to ensure a bright future for the Circus. We would like to thank you for your understanding and patience during this difficult time.

Yours Sincerely,

Board of Directors of Galway Community Circus"
Photo origin Galway Community Circus website

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