Balancing Acts

The need for support for the performing arts in Australia, in particularly circus arts. Currently the only training opportunity at NICA (National Institute of Circus Arts) is under threat with funding cuts. The constant struggle for funding, establishing the value of circus despite its enduring popularity.
Soft diplomacy through the arts has proven significant in the cross cultural collaboration as a positive diplomatic exchange between China and Australia. The need for cultural understanding is addressed in the story in front and behind the camera.
The power and importance of physical training is used in social circus initiatives, such as Wharehouse circus in Canberra, where circus skills are used to train people with disabilities, kids at risk appealing to risk taking behaviour and helping to keep them out of juvenile detention, address women’s physical confidence and empowerment.

To see greater support for the circus arts in Australia, both in terms of funding for companies and training institutions as well as an embrace for the art form and its history. To see a deeper understanding of the role of the arts in soft cultural diplomacy. To witness a deeper appreciation of Chinese cultural heritage and its impact within Australian society. To encourage support for circus through an appreciation of the physical and mental strength offers to people at risk or with disability and fragility in social circus initiatives.

We hope to see an embrace of circus arts in audience attendance, funding and enduring support for NICA, the National Institute of Circus Arts which is one of only three circus schools in the world – the others are in France and Canada. We hope to see a deeper understanding of the power of cross cultural collaboration and a better historic understanding of the cultural exchange between China and Australia. We hope to see greater support for circus through an appreciation of its deployment in social support programs.

I have a long relationship with the circus community in Australia. Close to 20 years ago I began filming with Circus Oz, NICA, Silvers circus, the Flying Fruit Flies to capture the multi cultural story of circus arts in Australia. It is story that attracts a particular tribe of people who have a distinctive perspective on the world in all its absurdity and beauty. I have known Mr Lu for over 20 years, a co-author on the project, Robin Laurie, is a co-founder of Circus Oz and was part of the first Nanjing project. I was close to Circus Oz over many years and the key trainers at the Flying Fruit Flies. I have had a close collaboration with many of the trainers at NICA.

To attend the circus. To support physical performers. To advocate for funding support from government. To advocate for the maintenance of a training school. To retreat into childlike silliness, wonder and uncontrollable laughter. To appreciate extraordinary skill and discipline.