Circus as a test bed for innovation
Skåne has a strong circus tradition, for example through Cirkus Brazil Jack which is from Malmö and the hippodrome which was built in 1899 specifically for circus performances. Now several circus events will also take place in Skåne. On June 9—11, Karavan Circus Festival in Malmö is scheduled and in 2024, Cirkus Syd, together with the City of Malmö and Lund Municipality, is planning a new regional circus festival under the name Southern Sweden Circus Festival. In addition, it has Circus South applied to become a member of Future by Lund.
- We see a huge development opportunity in collaborations between innovation and circus, says Lina B Frank, circus director of Cirkus Syd. Future By Lund is a network with extensive experience in the subject and we would like to join us to collaborate and learn.
The link between circus and innovation is more logical than one might think.
- Circus as a phenomenon deals with innovation at the highest level on a daily basis, continues Lina B Frank. For example, it could be about pushing the limits of gravity, creating new solutions for rigging technology or finding solutions that contribute to climate change. Often circuses work in isolation on these challenges and we see that an innovation platform can connect our sector with unique excellence in a range of areas to work together on solutions to the challenges of the future.
The circus environment means that many practical aspects must be solved in the most agile way — such as transport and logistics, energy supply and security.
- The circus has largely been classed as a self-sustaining culture until fairly recently (circa 2010 but no exact date is available) and thus has a strong tradition of working with regeneration to survive. This survival strategy works curiously limitlessly, sometimes on life and death, but always close to a good laugh, says Lina B Frank.
How do you see the future work at Future by Lund?
- We want to cooperate by leading and being partners in developing projects that put Lund, circus and innovation on the map and contribute to societal development, concludes Lina B Frank.
The writers behind debate item in Sydsvenskan are Hanna Hedvall, vice chairman of Manegen, a national advocacy organization for circus, variety show and street performance, Kristina Eriksson, performing arts consultant for circus within Riksteatern in Skåne and Lina B Frank, circus director of Cirkus Syd.
Photo: Jannica Honey