In conjuction with FEDEC Spring Talks
15–17 April 2026
Venue: Riga Circus, Merķeļa iela 4, Riga
Working language: English
From 15 to 17 April 2026, Riga Circus hosts the 3rd International Conference on Circus Education within the framework of FEDEC Spring Talks.
The conference takes place in Riga every four years, bringing together circus and performing arts professionals from the Baltics and across Europe: formal and non-formal education providers, artists, producers, and cultural education policymakers.
THEME 2026: ROOTS AND ROUTES – DIRECTIONS IN CIRCUS EDUCATION
The theme explores contemporary circus education pathways and the interaction between established academic education structures (“roots”) and alternative, hybrid models of professional development (“routes”). “Roots” refers to formal higher education structures—programmes, qualifications, pedagogical methods, and institutions that support stability, quality assurance, and long-term knowledge transfer. “Routes” describes non-linear, often international learning trajectories that arise where formal infrastructure is limited, shaped by self-directed practice, masterclasses, residencies, interdisciplinary work, and mobility opportunities.
This tension is especially visible in Latvia and the Baltic region, where comprehensive professional circus education is still absent, yet institutions like Riga Circus actively support sector growth outside academic frameworks. As traditional circus shifts from a primary foundation of training toward a parallel (and sometimes external) model of professional development, the conference creates space to compare Baltic realities with structured Western models, weigh the strengths and risks of formal and non-formal approaches, and define realistic development pathways.
Programmes
- FEDEC members programme (FEDEC members only).
More information and registration: https://www.fedec.eu/en/article/751-fedec-spring-talks-2026 - Open programme for all participants (registration opens 10 February)
- Children’s programme (registration opens mid-March)
Open programme at a glance
17 April
08:00 Registration
09:00 Opening remarks
09:30 Keynote
A Theory of Applied Circus Creativity and its Development Within a Bachelor of Circus Arts
Programme in Sweden, Alisan Funk, PhD, Stockholm University of the Arts
10:15 Keynote
The potential of lifelong learning programs in higher education institutions, Aurélie Vincq, Pedagogical director of the Ésacto’Lido circus academy in Toulouse
11:00 Keynote
The role of education in the contemporary art ecosystem, Jüri Nael, Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre
12:00 Parallel workshops & World Café
14:00 Riga Circus School student performance
14:30 Panel discussions
16:30 Closing + Memorandum presentation/signing
17:00 Informal meeting with international graduates
18:00 Screening: FEDEC project “Take Care” documentary film (mental health)
Lisätietoja