Downpatrick in circus project

Downpatrick in circus project

23 September 2015

DOWN Arts Centre has been selected as one of only three centres outside Belfast to be involved in the creation of a new social circus project — Circus Aurora.

Streetwise Community Circus, which runs the scheme, has been awarded a development grant to create this innovative project in Northern Ireland.

If Circus Aurora is successful, it will lead to the establishment of three centres outside Belfast, Downpatrick being one, that offer participation in circus groups to the most marginalised groups in society.

Streetwise have a long history of working with adults with learning disabilities and run internationally recognised projects with these adults based in Belfast. Circus Aurora aims to be accessible to as wide a range of marginalised groups as possible, including participants with physical as well as learning disabilities. 

The benefits that can be gained from the creativity, physical activity and teamwork involved in learning circus skills are stressed by the organisers. If the programme achieves three-year funding, Down Arts Centre will host a Circus Aurora group for three eight-week terms a year, giving participants the opportunity to develop performable circus skills.   By the end of the three-year programme, Streetwise and Down Arts Centre aim to have a established a circus group that is accessible and valued by the local community, and to build on this year on year.

As Circus Aurora is still in the development stage, Down Arts Centre are looking for local groups to participate in taster sessions which are taking place later this month. The aim of these sessions is to demonstrate what can be achieved and to encourage people to be part of the new venture. To sign up for a taster session, or discuss what’s involved, contact Denise Griffith, Arts Officer at Down Arts Centre, on 028 4461 0747.