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Circus Transformation Advanced

by | Jan 18, 2023 | News, Projects, Research | 0 comments

The final report is HERE!

To read the final report, with all of the findings from the CTF Advanced project, click the photo below!

What is CTF Advanced?

CTF Advanced is a 2.5 year project led by Sorin Sirkus with the objectives to:

  • form a network (both local and European) of youth circuses, social circus trainers, social work organisations and institutions as well as youth work organisations
  • evaluate CTF 4 to 6 from the data collected and by interviewing trainers and organisers
  • update the CTF Guidebook according to the evaluation
  • plan a follow-up strategy and peer network for social circus trainers who have gone through CTF (total 120 persons after CTF 6). 

The whole project extends from March 2022 to June 2024 (28 months)

Timeline

There will be two transnational meetings in Finland, and four learning & teaching activities . Four results/intellectual outputs will be developed by the end of the project.

  • Sept 2022 – Kick off Meeting
  • Nov 2022 – Workshop 1 – Prague
  • Feb 2023 – Workshop 2 – Stockholm
  • March 2023 – BIG Meeting – Galway
  • Oct 2023 – Workshop 3 – Italy
  • Feb 2024 – Conclusion Meeting
Workshop 1 - CIRQUEON (22 & 23 Nov 2022)
All partner Organisations were present to discuss the preliminary findings from the researchers and other key elements for improving the CTF in action program. Discussions took place in the form of focus groups, lead by Ilaria Bessone from Altro Circo, looking at; how to develop the associate network of affiliate organisations; ensuring quality in terms of preparation and continuity between CTF modules; desired participant profiles; clearly defining goals and objectives for the training; developing new tools and evaluation strategies; working with specific target groups; developing the language used in the guidebook to be more gender neutral and inclusive; and paying close attention the mental wellbeing and safety. 
Workshop 2 - Cirkus Cirkör (16 & 17 Feb 2023)

Day one was centered around presenting the latest research findings and working in focused groups to discuss the development of affiliate networks and pedagogical practices. These sessions allowed for in-depth discussions on how to improve the CTF program and better integrate the contributions from various partners. Day two focused on reflecting on the impact of CTF cycles, with an insightful workshop led by Ian Walsh. The event concluded with the planning for the upcoming third workshop in Galway, ensuring continuity in the project’s development.

BIG Meeting - Galway Community Circus (27 - 31 March 2023)

The primary goal of the meeting was to gather feedback on all project outputs and to work closely with participants to ensure that the CTF program continues to evolve in line with the needs of trainers and the youth they serve. The discussions revolved around the research findings from previous CTF cycles, and participants were encouraged to provide their insights on how the program could be improved. There were several workshops designed to reflect on the impact of social circus on marginalized youth, with a particular emphasis on personal development, inclusivity, and social integration.

The research team used participatory research methods in the workshops, including creative and embodied practices, to capture the participants’ personal and professional experiences. These interactive sessions, which included drawing, storytelling, and physical exercises, allowed the researchers to gather deeper insights into the CTF program’s impact. Throughout the meeting, participants contributed actively to shaping the future of the CTF program, while also providing valuable data for the research report. The event served as both a reflective space for participants and an opportunity for the project team to move forward with evidence- based improvements.

Participants were also given the opportunity to contribute to the development of new training tools and methodologies. The workshops included practical exercises, as well as focused group discussions, where trainers and participants shared their experiences and lessons learned from the field.

The Big Meeting also provided a platform for evaluating the entire CTFA project. Participants reflected on their experiences throughout the project, discussing both the successes and the challenges encountered. The sessions focused on how CTF had impacted their professional development and how the networks formed through the CTFA project would continue to benefit them in the future. There was a strong sense of collaboration and commitment to carrying the lessons learned from this project into future initiatives.

Workshop 3 - Altro Circo (26 & 27 October 2023)

A major focus of the workshop was the ongoing evaluation of the project’s key outputs, especially the research on the impact of CTF and the integration of enhanced pedagogical tools into the CTF training program. The research team, led by Ilaria Bessone and Heta Mulari, provided insights into the arts-based methodologies employed throughout the project, highlighting their role in creating “brave spaces” where participants could engage in meaningful self-reflection. These methodologies were shown to enhance participants’ understanding of the challenges and opportunities in social circus, with an emphasis on inclusivity and diversity.

Discussions also centered on the importance of the Affiliates and Alumni Networks, with partners sharing updates on their development. The Affiliates Network was working differently in all the partner countries, and we shared our experiences in best practises of getting the network working for the benefit of all involved. Plans for launching the Alumni Network on the Caravan website were well underway. These networks are key to ensuring the sustainability and continued professional development of the CTF program and the broader social circus community.

In addition to output evaluation, the workshop placed a significant emphasis on dissemination. A dissemination team, led by Tero, Tora, and Will, proposed strategies to communicate the project’s results to a broader audience, including those outside the traditional circus community. The team discussed how to simplify social circus methodologies to make them more accessible to sectors such as education and social services, ensuring the project’s outcomes reach a wider range of beneficiaries.

Conclusion Meeting - Sorin Sirkus (12 & 13 March 2024)

The CTFA conclusion meeting, held on March 12-13, 2024, in Tampere, Finland, was a pivotal event in the project, bringing together all partners to evaluate the outcomes, reflect on the lessons learned, and plan future initiatives. Hosted at Sorin Sirkus, the two- day event featured a blend of project reflection, management discussions, and forward- looking conversations, culminating in a public seminar streamed live on YouTube.

 

Project Partners: Sorin Sirkus (LEAD), Galway Community Circus,  Altro Circo, Cirqueon, & Cirkus Cirkör.

Cofunded by the Finnish National Agency of Erasmus+