Samovar Circles is a think tank focusing on how to tackle the new challenges and opportunities for the circus arts in a world in change. Artists, producers and presenters in the Nordic and Baltic contemporary circus and performing arts scene are invited to a series of intimate and participative meetings, workshops and seminars. The project also organises discussions and seminars open for everyone.
In 2025-26, the think tank will focus on circus in public spaces and local communities. The activities are coordinated by Subtopia.
Samovar Circles is initiated and organised by Subtopia (Sweden), Circus & Dance Info Finland (Finland), Teatronas (Lithuania) and New Theatre Institute of Latvia (Latvia), with the support of Nordic Culture Point, Swedish Arts Council and The Nordic Culture Fund. They collaborated for the first time in the context of Subcase Cyber in 2021, then discovering their differences being profoundly valuable. The encounters offered vital inspiration and provocation in a time when covid was stripping them of live interaction with Nordic and Baltic peers, artists and audiences. Based on their joint engagement in what the new reality will look like for contemporary performing arts in the region, they wish to deepen the conversations in a collective engagement with the field.
Additional information: Lotta Nevalainen, Head of International Development, circus