OPEN CALL - The New Circus Factory – Reuse: (Re)making for Circus

AY-ROOP is launching an open call to select three circus artists and/or circus set designers/ builders based in a creative Europe country other than France, for a 21-day residency at Le Milieu (Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande, Rennes Metropole) in December 2026, as part of the European programme Culture Moves Europe.

Founded in 2025, AY-ROOP is a cultural organization  based in the heart of Rennes Metropole, accredited  as a Scene de territoire cirque (regional circus  venue) in Brittany. It leads an artistic project  dedicated to contemporary circus, supporting  creation, dissemination, and local cultural initiatives  through numerous partnerships.

Profiles

This residency is aimed at people combining artistic practice and making/fabrication  (individual or group applications accepted, with a maximum of 3 people per group):

• circus artists with an interest in construction/scenography/DIY making,
• builders/set designers working in the circus field

Applicants should demonstrate qualities such as curiosity, a willingness to experiment, attention to safety, and a desire to share and document their work.

Residents may be emerging or established artists, regardless of their educational background or level of experience.  This residency is accessible to artists with disabilities and to those with accessibility needs.

Residency framework

• A 21-day residency from November 28 to December 18, 2026
• Working language: English
• No aerial apparatus/no rigging points: all experimentation will be conducted on the ground
• The residency includes:
  • Opportunities for discussion and exploration of the local reuse sector
  • Research time and artistic and/or technical work sessions
  • Opportunities to share the work carried out, present it, and communicate it to the public

Eligibility

All applicants must:

• be aged 18 or over;  no upper age limit
• Legally reside in a Creative Europe country other than France and the French overseas territories and departments (DROM-COM) (see details on p. 2 – link).
• be available for the entire residency period  (exact dates must be respected).builders/set designers working in the circus field

Funding and support

The residency is funded through Culture Moves Europe: link here.

•  A 900 € allowance per person
• Flat-rate coverage of travel expenses (see details on p. 15)
• Flat-rate supplements for green mobility, visa fees, dependent children under 18, and residents of OCTs and ORs (see details on p. 16)
• Supplements for residents with disabilities and accessibility needs. Possibility of full coverage of the costs for a sign language interpreter (see details on p. 17)
• Accomodation on site (single rooms)
• Lunch meals provided at Le Milieu canteen (Tuesday to Friday)
• Access to a fully equipped shared kitchen on site,
• Coverage of technical support

Application

Please send the following in a single PDF, with links if relevant:

1. Bio / CV (maximum 1 page)
2. Portfolio (maximum 5 pages or video links)
3. Statement of intent (maximum 1 page) adressing :
   • your interest in reuse within circus arts,
   • the type of research you wish to pursue (materials, ground-based apparatus, scenography, methods),
   • the shared and expected added value      (skills, approach).
4. Proof of residence

Application deadline: 03/07/2026

Send to :  residence@ay-roop.com Object : Open Call CME -  Nom Prénom

Results will be annonced on : 13/07/2026