circusnext is a European programme that aims at identifying creative emerging circus authors and at supporting their creation processes and touring opportunities. This is a multi-stage process that runs from April 2025 – September 2026.
For its 2026 edition, circusnext introduces a new form of support, called Seeding Labs. These labs are intended for emerging circus creators who have applied to the circusnext open call with a project which presents compelling elements according to the selection criteria (see above) but which the national selection committees consider not ready yet to go through the selection process. Seeding Labs will take place from July 2025 to March 2026 at the Platform members’ venues:
- In Genoa (Italy), organised by Sarabanda
- In Toulouse (France), organised by La Grainerie
- In Brussels (Belgium), organised by Up
- In Paris (France), organised by circusnext
Applicants to circusnext must be emerging circus creators (individuals or a company) and European residents whose productions are based in countries that are part of the Creative Europe programme.
Transport, accommodation and meals for the following activities will be funded by circusnext Platform:
- Seeding Labs
- Residencies
- Touring opportunities
- Artistic Labs
- Laureates’ selection week
- Revelations in Paris and on tour
An artistic fee will be paid for any performance open to the public (work-in-progress presentation and show), including the work-in-progress presentations during the Laureates selection week and the Revelations. There are also financial support grants of 3,000 EUR for Finalists and 5,000 EUR for Laureates.
