Applications for CLIMB, Circostrada's brand new Leadership Development Programme, have just opened! This first edition is co-hosted with Outdoor Arts Italia.
CLIMB is a new leadership development programme dedicated exclusively to members of the network: a pathway designed for cultural professionals with management and coordination responsibilities, working in contemporary circus and the performing arts in public space.
The first edition, co-hosted with Outdoor Arts Italia and in collaboration with Liv.in.g., will take place from 18 to 20 March 2026 at Castello di San Sebastiano Po, in Piedmont (Italy). It will welcome a group of 15 participants (10 belonging from Circostrada and 5 from Outdoor Arts Italia) for three intensive days of coaching, peer-to-peer exchange, workshops, inspiring coaching sessions, and guided reflection focused on fair, sustainable, and inclusive practices.
For more information and details, visit circostrada.org in the section actions/capacity-development.
Who can apply
- 10 Circostrada and 5 Outdoor Arts Italia members
- professionals with at least 3 years of experience in leadership roles (contemporary circus and/or outdoor arts)
- one person per organisation
- have a working knowledge of English
Selection will be based on the relevance of the professional project and diversity criteria (gender, geographical background, profiles).
Come candidarsi
⏳ Deadline: 10 February 2026, 12:00 (CET). Results will be communicated within the same week, after review by the selection committee.
Costs and what is covered
Participation in CLIMB is designed to be as accessible as possible. Thanks to co-funding from Circostrada (European Union) and additional support from Outdoor Arts Italia, the programme covers the costs of the training pathway and organisation, as well as accommodation in a single room with private bathroom at Castello di San Sebastiano Po. Meals are also included (from Wednesday evening to Friday), along with transfers to and from Chivasso train station, to make local travel easier once you arrive in the area.
Participants are asked to contribute €200 as a registration fee, while travel costs to reach Turin remain the participant’s responsibility.
A second CLIMB session is planned for autumn 2026 in the Czech Republic, organised in collaboration with the Czech contemporary circus network (Asociace nového cirkusu). Further information will be shared in the coming months.
If you work in outdoor arts and contemporary circus and hold a position of responsibility (direction, coordination, team and process management), CLIMB is a concrete opportunity to sharpen your leadership practice, exchange with other European professionals, and return to your work with new tools, perspectives, and connections.