Cities Section: Category Four – Creative Place Initiative
Winner: Galway Community Circus, Galway City

Summary:

Galway Community Circus is Ireland’s flagship organisation for youth and social circus at the heart of Galway City with a local, national and international remit. The aim is to advance the artistic, personal and social development of young people through circus arts. They are committed to creating an innovative, artistic and imaginative learning experience where all young people can realise their full potential. Through ground-breaking non-competitive programmes and high-quality productions, Galway Community Circus has proven itself to be a cradle of artistic excellence and educational innovation in Ireland, working with over 600 young people from diverse backgrounds every week. They provide a safe space where all young people can play, take risks, be brave! – and discover connections with each other and the world as creative, physical and social individuals. By empowering young people through circus arts, we give them agency. They pass on the unique values of the circus community and create long-lasting positive change.

Community Contact: Fiona Coen, [email protected]

Citation:

The judges had a very enjoyable and inspiring visit to this group who are doing ground breaking work with so many young people. They witnessed first-hand and met the beneficiaries of excellent work being sustained over a very long period. Essentially a community hub, the project is exceptionally inclusive and very public facing – an environment where confidence grows and young people develop to their strengths. This enterprise – empowerment through circus arts – delivers real meaning to many young lives.

Runner Up: Cork Community Artlink, Cork City