Rules & Regulations Open call 2026

  • This open call is aimed at circus creation projects for outdoor or site-specific contexts. The emphasis is on outdoor creations, but projects for unique site specific indoor or outdoor locations are also eligible.  

    Projects must place circus as an artistic discipline at the core.  

    The call targets projects in the creation phase or projects about to start creation. 

    The applicant (individual artist or company) must demonstrate a clear link to Belgium, which may be shown by: 

    • a legal seat in Belgium; 

    • at least one of the primary artistic makers or project leaders has Belgian nationality or is a permanent Belgian resident 

    This link must be clearly indicated in the application. 

    Artists/makers for whom it is their first creation project for outdoor or in-situ contexts must explicitly indicate this in the application. 

    • Financial support: minimum €5,000; 

    • Guaranteed programming: presentation by a minimum of three partners within the first two seasons after the premiere; 

    • Mentorship: guidance by two Circ’UIT partners throughout the creation process up to the premiere; 

    • Communication exposure: visibility as a Circ’UIT-supported project on the network’s and partners’ communication channels; 

    • Letter of intent from the network to strengthen external funding applications or approaches to other potential partners; 

    • Network leverage: Circ’UIT partners will include the project in their individual professional networks. 

     

    An alternative offer can be made for young makers*: 

    • Financial support: minimum €5,000; 

    • Presentation commitment: at least two work-in-progress showings organised by partners (including the commitment of the Circ’UIT members to be present at one of the WIP); 

    • At least one residency hosted by a Circ’UIT partner; 

    • Mentorship: guidance by two partners; 

    • Possible later programming by partners after the work-in-progress showings; 

    • Communication exposure: visibility as a Circ’UIT-supported project on the network’s and partners’ communication channels; 

    • Letter of intent from the network to strengthen external funding applications or approaches to other potential partners. 

    Partners may choose to provide additional support to Circ’UIT projects from their own expertise and resources. Such support is not guaranteed by the network and is at the initiative of the individual partners. 

    * Young maker: a maker leading a creation project for outdoor or in-situ contexts for the first time. 

  • You must submit a complete application in English through an online form no later than 20th November 2026. 

    A complete application includes: 

    • A description of the artistic project; 

    • A project budget; 

    • A timeline for the project; 

    Make sure that the criteria in point 4 are addressed in your application.  

    All parts of the application (*except below optional documents) need to be in English. If one or more are in another language your application will not be considered.  

    • Optional: photo or video material from previous residencies, labs, or artistic work to illustrate the artistic signature; 

    • Optional: a link to a website; 

    • Optional: CVs or résumés as background information. 

    • Optional: existing creation dossier 

    Instructions on how to submit your application are included in the infokit (see point 7).  

    You will be required to write/upload all requested informations in this online form:  https://tally.so/r/RWKKY9  

  • Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria: 

    1. Circus is at the core of the project; 

    2. Outdoor or site-specific creation as an artistic choice; 

    3. Artistic quality and originality of the proposal; 

    4. Feasibility and touring potential* of the project; 

    5. The benefits of Circ’UIT’s support for the project;  

    * Touring potential is less relevant as a criterium for young emerging makers. 

    • 20 November 2026: deadline for applications. 

    • 1 December 2026: notification of whether the applicant is invited for an online interview. 

    • 7, 8 or 9 December 2026 (mornings): online interviews* with Circ’UIT partners (approx. 30 minutes). Applicants must ensure their availability on these dates. 

    • 15 December 2026: decision by the Circ’UIT partners. 

    • By 17 December 2026: communication of results to applicants. 

    Applicants selected for an interview may be asked to prepare additional information or specific questions. 

  • In exchange for support, the selected artist/company commits to: 

    • Credit Circ’UIT as a co-producer in all communication related to the project; 

    • Actively collaborate in the agreed presentations and showings. 

  • The infokit provides additional information, including: 

    • How to submit an application: technical guidelines for submitting; 

    • Full overview of the timeline and all deadlines; 

    • Information for candidates selected for interviews; 

    • FAQ. 

    If you have questions before or after submitting your application that are not answered in the infokit, you may contact: 
    opencall@circuscircuit.eu  
    We aim to respond within three working days.