Archaos

Founded in 1986, the Archaos company became Pôle national Cirque in 2012. Based in Marseille, Archaos contributes to the development and visibility of contemporary circus, working to establish the art form as one of the most innovative artistic disciplines of recent decades.

Archaos supports artists at different stages of their careers, encourages the creation and touring of their work, and promotes circus arts to wider audiences through projects open to everyone.

Its activities cover the entire contemporary circus sector: artistic creation, artist support, production, dissemination, professional training, amateur practice, knowledge-sharing and audience development.

Each season, Archaos hosts around fifteen companies in residence, providing professional facilities and support to create, develop, rehearse or finalise performances, as well as to explore new artistic forms. These residencies regularly include opportunities to meet audiences and attend work-in-progress presentations, notably through the Rendez-vous Cirque programme.

Archaos also initiates two major events: the Biennale Internationale des Arts du Cirque (BIAC), established in 2015 and held in odd-numbered years, and Entre2 BIAC, established in 2016 and held in even-numbered years. Organised in collaboration with numerous cultural partners across the region, these events showcase the diversity of contemporary circus practices and encourage the circulation and dissemination of performances.

Activities and contribution to the development of circus arts

Throughout the year, Archaos develops activities for professional artists, young people, amateur practitioners and the wider public.

Supporting artistic creation

Archaos hosts companies in residence and supports them throughout their creative, research and experimentation processes. Through the Rendez-vous Cirque programme, audiences can discover works in progress, while artists have the opportunity to present and refine their work and exchange ideas with spectators.

Production, touring and festivals

Through the BIAC and Entre2 BIAC, Archaos contributes to the visibility of contemporary circus and the circulation of performances. These events bring together artists, companies, cultural venues, programmers and professionals from France and abroad.

Professional development and training

Archaos offers continuing professional development courses for contemporary circus professionals, covering topics such as acrobatic partnering, repertoire revival and the exploration of new artistic approaches. The organisation also provides professional artists with access to the Bouinax training space, which is available for independent practice almost all year round.

Amateur practice

Three regular workshops are currently offered to adults, both beginners and more experienced participants: trapeze, circus and rope/aerial fabric. Led by professional artists, these workshops combine technical learning with artistic creation and culminate in public presentations.

Arts education and work with young people

Archaos runs a wide range of activities for children and teenagers, from primary school to secondary education. These include Parcours Zélés, Enfants de la balle, Classe Cirque, work-in-progress presentations, meetings with artists and circus practice workshops.

Since 2023, Archaos has also been an artistic partner of Lycée Joliot-Curie in Aubagne, contributing to the development and coordination of circus arts education from the equivalent of Year 11 to Year 13.

Community projects, inclusion and social cohesion

Through projects such as Cité Cirque, in the Castellane neighbourhood, and Cabu Circus, in the Cabucelle neighbourhood, Archaos works alongside schools, social and educational organisations and artistic companies. These projects combine circus practice, artistic creation, meetings with artists and opportunities to discover performances, using art as a means of fostering personal development, inclusion and social cohesion.

Circus and health

Archaos also develops projects in medical and hospital settings, recognising circus as a means of fostering social connections, self-expression and the fight against exclusion. These initiatives include collaborations with Apar Autisme, AP-HM and Hôpital Salvator, as well as the projects Origami and L'Envol sonore.

Social and environmental responsibility

Since 2020, Archaos has been committed to a broader approach to organisational social responsibility. The BIAC serves as a space for experimenting with more responsible practices. Archaos is also committed to gender equality, preventing and addressing gender-based and sexual violence and harassment, and developing cultural activities accessible to all audiences.

Find out more about this member

General Director: Simon Carrara
Secretary General: Carlos Vianna – cvianna@archaos.fr
Year of foundation: 1986
Location: Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France