Outdoor Arts Italia is a partner of the 2025 edition of Global Crossing Taiwan + Japan: a 10-day exploratory journey beyond Europe, designed to foster encounters with local ecosystems of contemporary circus and outdoor arts, build international connections, and closely observe extra-European artistic scenes and cultural models.
The programme unfolds in dialogue with local festivals and cultural markets, activating concrete exchanges and opportunities for discussion among professionals, artists, researchers, and institutions. Global Crossing is also an opportunity to reflect on how contemporary circus and arts in public space can express resilience and cultural resistance, generating international alliances and synergies.
Eleonora Ariolfo, Director of Outdoor Arts Italia, is travelling with the delegation.
Programme
December 3–4 and 8–9 | Taipei (Taiwan)
An immersion into Taiwan’s cultural and civic landscape, with visits to venues and institutions, and meetings with artists, researchers, activists, companies, schools, and social organisations.
Planned visits include: Shinehouse/WAN Theatre, Taiwan National College of Performing Arts, National Theatre and Concert Hall, HHHUB, Taipei Performing Arts Center, Taiwan Traditional Theatre Center, National Human Rights Park, and FOCASA.
December 5–7 | Kaohsiung (Taiwan)
One of the key moments of the journey: at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying), the delegation will attend a particularly dynamic edition of the Weiwuying Circus Platform—with a significant part of the programme taking place outdoors—alongside the Circus Asia Network Annual General Meeting. A strategic context to connect with professionals, projects, and networks shaping the future of the circus sector in Asia.
December 6: Talk “New visions of contemporary circus arts” with Aaron Marquise (TOHU) and Alice Brunot (Circostrada)
December 7: Talk “Broadening gender boundaries through devised creation” with Tim Berhen (CircusDanceFestival) and Isabel Joly (FEDEC)
December 10–11 | Yokohama & Tokyo (Japan)
In collaboration with Setouchi Circus Factory and Mirai Circus Network, this stage includes an international gathering of the contemporary circus field within YPAM – Yokohama Performing Arts Meeting. A valuable opportunity to engage with Japanese and international programmers and artists, and to strengthen relationships with members of the Circus Asia Network.
Showcases are also scheduled at the Setagaya Public Theater (Tokyo).
December 11: Talk “Crossing Borders: Contemporary Circus Today” with Alice Brunot (Circostrada) and Lotta Nevalainen (Circus & Dance Finland)
December 12–14 | Kyoto & Osaka (Japan)
Contemporary circus and outdoor arts showcases in the Kansai area, featuring performances and professional exchange opportunities.
Venues include Kansai Aerial and Isshinji Theater Kura.
December 15–16 | Shikoku Island (Japan)
The journey concludes with a visit to KUMA Labo, the residency and creation space of Setouchi Circus Factory, featuring performances, site visits, and meetings with artists and producers from one of the most innovative hubs for contemporary circus in Japan.