Residency

Rigas cirks Residency program is created as a laboratory for new forms of artistic research and art practices within the interdisciplinary field of art.

Our main mission is to promote contemporary artistic practices mainly focusing on circus development in Latvia and in the Baltic region. We are eager to foster exchange, discussion, experimentation, and collaborative work.

Rīgas cirks residencies take place in the historical building of Rīgas cirks, which is one of the oldest purpose-built circus buildings in Europe. It has a 360-degree arena which is a rare architectural monument and the only round space in this region. After a massive reconstruction of Rīgas cirks historical dome, the venue fully supports the contemporary circus needs, offering possibilities and creative freedom for artists.

From 2018 to 2020, Rigas cirks offered a Residency program with the support of Nordic Culture Point. Its aim was to offer a new interdisciplinary laboratory of artistic research and practice to representatives of various fields of art.

In 2020, Rigas cirks organized a Well-being Residency program for artists/artist groups from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia with an interest in socially engaged work. The residency is a part of an international Well-being Residency Network project that aims to develop a model for successful well-being residencies.

Since 2019, Rigas cirks has been a member of the European circus label Circusnext. The aim of the platform is to support young circus artists/artist groups, highlight creativity and uniqueness, promote new creations and collaboration. Within the framework of the platform, Rigas cirks welcomes emerging artists in residencies, as well as displays the latest works of European talents.

Artists-in-residence are selected by their proposals submitted by an online open call. To find out more, please check the information on current calls and news below.