The circus is not just entertainment it's a rich tapestry of art, athleticism, and heritage. With roots tracing back centuries, the circus represents a blend of traditions, skills, and stories evolved over time. However, this cherished art form faces significant challenges that threaten its survival as an intangible cultural heritage. Protecting the circus is vital not just for preserving its traditions but also for recognizing the benefits it brings to society as a whole. Ashtons Circus The Meaning of Intangible Cultural Heritage Intangible cultural heritage encompasses practices, performances, and knowledge recognized by communities as integral to their culture. This includes oral traditions, performing arts, and social practices. The circus exemplifies these elements, showcasing a unique mix of physical skill, storytelling, and visual art. By preserving the circus as an intangible cultural heritage, we help future generations connect with their cultural roots, which strengthens community bonds and ensures continuity. Circus Oz Circus arts have a fascinating history dating back to ancient civilizations, where performances featuring acrobatics and juggling captivated audiences. The modern circus began to take shape in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in Europe. Philip Astley (1742–1814), born in Newcastle-under-Lyme, is widely regarded as the creator of the modern circus. After serving in the Seven Years' War, he returned to England in 1766 and began performing trick riding in a circular arena, inspired by military and theatrical traditions. In 1768, he opened his first riding school on Glover's Halfpenny Hatch, and in 1770, he established Astley's Riding School in London, where he combined equestrian acts with theatrical performances, creating a new form of entertainment. By 1777, he had built a more permanent riding amphitheatre, and his innovative circular ring and theatrical mix laid the groundwork for the modern circus. His touring efforts and innovations, including the role of the ringmaster, helped popularize the circus across Britain and beyond, marking the birth of this enduring entertainment genre. Circus families worldwide continue to cherish and pass down their identity, largely rooted in the legacy that Philip Astley established as the father of the modern circus. Each circus performance today reflects a blend of different cultures, making it a vibrant representation of artistic expression. From Cirque du Soleil's stunning visual storytelling to traditional carnivals, these performances are rooted deeply in various cultural heritages. Astley's Ampitheatre The Importance of Protection Through Cultural Preservation Safeguarding the circus honors the skills and traditions of performers. According to UNESCO, intangible cultural heritage fosters a sense of identity and belonging among communities. For instance, circuses like the Nikulin Moscow Circus continue to preserve traditional acrobatics, instilling pride within their audiences and providing a unique cultural perspective. Circus listings as an intangible cultural heritage exist in China beyond the scope of UNESCO recognition. There are currently 21 circus projects listed in the China National Intangible Cultural Heritage list outside of UNESCO Protecting circus arts has tangible economic advantages. The circus industry contributes to tourism and local economies. For example, cities hosting prominent circus festivals can see up to a 20% increase in local business revenue, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and local markets. Such economic impacts highlight the necessity of preserving this art form. Cultural heritage and economics are often viewed in conflict. Yet economic recognition can be a powerful tool for heritage protection. Why these figures matter? Economic visibility translates to: • Stronger funding arguments • Community stewardship • National cultural policy inclusion • Protecting circus is smart economics. Circus arts are also a powerful educational tool. Workshops in schools teach children skills such as resilience, inclusion, collaboration, and discipline. A study by the National Endowment for the Arts found that students involved in circus-related activities show a 30% increase in self-confidence and teamwork abilities compared to their peers. Additionally, circus history educates participants about global cultural diversity and the importance of heritage preservation, creating a deeper appreciation for various traditions. Today, technology significantly influences circus arts, with social media and streaming platforms enabling artists to share performances globally and expanding audience reach by nearly 50%. While this increased accessibility is valuable, it also risks shaping audience expectations of what a circus should be, potentially pressuring small, family-run, or independent contemporary shows that often face financial constraints and may not meet these heightened standards. We must remember that circus arts and physical theatre are also raw, authentic art forms with deep artistic value that should be celebrated and not always require technology to enhance its audience value. Preserving the true essence of the circus experience is crucial, even as technology advances, to ensure that the artistry, tradition, and unique spirit of circus continue to thrive. Active community engagement is crucial for the survival of circus arts. Initiatives like local performances, school partnerships, and workshops can spark renewed interest in circus culture. In several cities, community-driven initiatives have seen attendance at circus events rise by up to 40%, showcasing the appetite for these performances. Grassroots movements actively promote circus arts, often supported by non-profits and local governments. Projects like “Circus for All” aim to provide training and resources to aspiring performers, while local festivals showcase circus talent. World Circus Day celebrates the rich cultural heritage and artistic diversity of circus arts worldwide, fostering global appreciation and understanding. It also emphasizes the importance of preserving and promoting this unique art form for future generations to enjoy and continue evolving. These efforts increase public awareness and garner much-needed support for the arts. Circus acts as a universal language transcends borders and cultures. By protecting its status as intangible cultural heritage, we can foster international collaboration and understanding. Events like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and various circus conventions, forums and festivals facilitate cross-cultural exchange, allowing artists to share practices and learn from diverse traditions. Challenges Ahead Despite its potential, the circus faces challenges that threaten its survival. While circus arts continue to offer profound benefits, the industry is navigating an increasingly precarious landscape. Financial and bureaucratic barriers are causing significant stress for circus directors and producers. The cost of insurance for shows and events has skyrocketed, posing a serious hurdle to companies already operating on thin margins. Urban expansion, animal rights extremism, and gentrification have led to stringent council restrictions, making it difficult to secure performance spaces due to noise regulations, bans on live animals, and increased bureaucracy. Each time a circus relocates, it must navigate complex Development Application (DA) processes & procedures more fitting for permanent construction projects like apartment blocks than for temporary structures that have already been certified by structural engineers. The rising cost of theatre and land hire has compounded these issues, forcing many smaller circus companies out of business. The Removal of Animals has increased the financial crisis. While ethical debates led to the gradual removal of animals from circus performances, this transition has had unintended financial repercussions. Many circuses had taken out large loans to maintain their animal acts, only to find that ticket sales plummeted when they retired their animals. Audiences conditioned to expect the grandeur of traditional circus spectacles lost interest, forcing many historic circus companies to shut down globally, many of the traditional circuses that have remained, have struggled to find a new identity after hundreds of years of family tradition has been removed. The Lingering Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic delivered a brutal blow to the circus industry. Shows were canceled for extended periods, leaving performers without income and circuses unable to recover operational costs. With international touring disrupted and fewer avenues for financial assistance, many circus artists were forced to abandon their craft altogether. The circus industry will need to grapple with evolving audience expectations, increasing safety regulations, and a continued struggle for funding. In an age dominated by digital entertainment, the challenge lies in preserving the magic of live performance and reimagining circus arts for new generations. Despite these obstacles, circus remains a vital cultural treasure, blending heritage with innovation. The circus must be protected globally by UNESCO, ICOMOS and government in order to ensure its preservation for future generations. Protecting the circus as an intangible cultural heritage is more crucial than ever. The advantages are diverse, spanning cultural preservation, economic benefits, and educational opportunities. By increasing awareness of circus arts, we can foster community involvement and keep this enchanting tradition alive. In a world that is changing rapidly, our commitment to safeguarding the circus is essential. By embracing both tradition and innovation, we can ensure that this vibrant art form continues to thrive, celebrating human creativity and the spirit of culture for generations to come. Our call to action is clear... support local circuses, attend performances, and advocate for the preservation of this extraordinary heritage. Together, we can ensure that the circus remains a source of wonder, creativity, and community connection for future generations. Jasmine Straga - Director World Circus Federation & Oceania Circus Guild www.circusfederation.org & www.oceaniacircusguild.org
