Contrary to the common understanding of circus as a nomadic artform, the development of the institutionalized modern circus is fundamentally connected to a process of settling down. From 1850–1950, many static circus buildings were constructed throughout Europe and beyond. Today, one might be tempted to speak once again of an international boom of circus. The solidification of contemporary circus as an artform has led to an increasing number of static circus buildings that serve as schools, residency spaces, centers for leisure activities and performance venues.

The objective of the conference is to examine the historical and contemporary circus buildings and building typologies, so that broader questions concerning artistic, social-cultural, and historical interrelations can be discussed.

The conference takes place at the recently inaugurated Cirque de Latitude 50 on the Belgium countryside. This venue not only gives us the possibility to directly link the research questions to practice, but also to explore alternative forms of academic discussions such as walking debates, lecture performances, and artistic research presentations. 

Please find the conference schedule here.

The event is open to public. Please register here.

Organisation Committee
Dr. Franziska Trapp | Université Libre de Bruxelles

Prof. Dr. Karel Vanhaesebrouck | Université Libre de Bruxelles

Prof. Dr. Veronique Lemaire | UCLouvain

Prof. Dr. Jan Lazardzig | Freie Universität Berlin

Scientific Committee

Dr. Franziska Trapp | Université Libre de Bruxelles

Prof. Dr. Karel Vanhaesebrouck | Université Libre de Bruxelles

Prof. Dr. Jan Lazardzig | Freie Universität Berlin

Elias D’hollander | University of Ghent

© Image: Arnaud Pamalio. Le Cirque. Latitude 50. Belgium 2023