A Scan of the Circus and Physical Theatre Sector in Victoria

Practice

• Key issues faced by CAPT artists in their practice include funding to make work, access to appropriate spaces to train and rehearse, lack of artistic agency, lack of experienced circus directors, diminishing genre diversity and cost and availability of insurance.
• Priority areas for the sector in relation to practice include fostering genre diversity; encouraging critical dialogue, artistic risk-taking and interrogation of practice; increasing support for ensembles; providing flexible and accessible funding programs; and insurance.

Presentation, audience and pathways

• Key issues faced by CAPT artists when presenting and touring work include limited presentation opportunities, funding, adequate fees, rehearsal space, support from producers and agents, and presenter tastes and appetites.
• Priority areas identified for the sector in relation to presentation and audiences include more presentation opportunities within Australia, a dedicated Melbourne venue for CAPT work, access to experienced CAPT producers and specialist CAPT technicians, funding for presentation and flexible touring models, better conversations between presenters and artists, and audience development.
• Priority areas for the sector identified in relation to pathways include more waged employment opportunities, better pay, career transition support, clear entry pathways for emerging artists, support for youth and social circus, and improved cultural diversity.

Infrastructure

• The need for a dedicated and equipped shared space to train and create work was seen as a key sector priority. Participants felt that this shared infrastructure must be equitable, accessible and affordable for all parts of the sector.