Our Philosophy & Mahi
Social Circus for social change.
The kaupapa of Circability is to improve lives and impact social change through innovation in the delivery of social circus arts.
A primary focus of our work is developing inclusion programmes for people with disabilities - and enhancing creative career employment options for all.
For 10 years our vision 'All ages, all abilities, all cultures, better together.’ has strengthened our commitment and guided Circability’s growth and innovation. We have gained recognition through Arts Access Aotearoa's Creative Space Excellence and Partnership Awards - Delivering classes, workshops and community events for all ages and abilities, utilising social circus as a tool for developing personal confidence, physical & emotional literacy, well-being, connecting people and sharing joy.
Our emphasis is on the collaborative process to create safe spaces for inclusive social circus arts practice to flourish in diverse communities. We are exploring and collaborating with Toi Matauranga Maori arts practitioners and instigating culturally inclusive and tailored social circus programmes and 'Kanohi Kitea' wananga with our partners.
In this last decade as we have built our service and have initiated Community Circus Conventions, attracting International participation and collaboration with the likes of Cirque du Soleil and NICA https://www.nica.com.au/ , helped to initiate ANZCA (Aotearoa New Zealand Circus Association) https://www.anzca.co.nz/ and initiated the annual national Youth Circus Festival.
We have built good working relationships with major philanthropic trusts, Auckland Council, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry for Culture and Heritage, and the Ministry of Youth Development, with whom we seek to establish an ongoing contractual relationship.
To facilitate best practice, we commissioned two significant circus sector research papers https://www.circability.org/our-research , informing and guiding our strategy and direction to help develop a sustainable and robust Social Circus sector in Aotearoa.
We seek opportunities to develop mutual relationships and form new partners to support our growth and innovative vision as we upscale our operation and build the capacity to deliver nationally.
Social Circus
In its contemporary form, "Circus" has transcended being just a source of entertainment. Developing connections and skills through play and social circus arts has become a powerful tool for building confidence, improving social skills, overcoming trauma, and developing essential capacities such as resilience and responsibility. Social Circus, a form of Kinesthetic Education where learning takes place through shared physical activity, demonstrates the power of arts as a tool for human development and social change. Social circus workshops employ a wide range of circus equipment and techniques that offer appropriately designed challenges, experiences, and learnings that can be transferred to individuals' lives and circumstances.
Social Circus is accessible to everyone and empowers participants to engage, learn, play, laugh, join a group, share their skills, and work as a team, regardless of social boundaries. It fosters positive energy in their communities and provides benefits to various community groups, including those with disabilities, mental health issues, young people, and older adults.
Although several circus groups in Aotearoa offer various performance opportunities and circus skills programs, Circability is the only provider that specifically offers "social circus." In line with sector developments, events, and research, ANZCA (Aotearoa New Zealand Circus Association) https://www.anzca.co.nz/ was established through our Auckland Circus Convention to be a collective voice and unite the vibrant and diverse circus communities in Aotearoa NZ. This group of experienced and knowledgeable circus professionals will be the first point of contact as we expand our services to meet the growing regional and national demand for Social Circus.
Our Background
Circability brings social good through innovative social circus programs. Since 2012, we have been creating positive social change by bringing joy to young people, older adults, people with disabilities, whānau, and communities.
While many circus schools focus solely on performance, Circability is unique. We facilitate a broad social circus program that includes youth development and leadership training. Our program offers inclusive employment transition and pathways for people with disabilities and youth at risk.
Social Circus is our vehicle for inspiring and improving the well-being of all people, regardless of age, culture, or ability. Last year, over 10,874 people attended our 863 classes, workshops, and community events. This year, we have expanded our reach to less serviced and isolated communities in response to the increased demand for our social circus classes.
Our students and participants come from diverse backgrounds and may face a range of disabilities or challenges, such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Asperger's, mental health and anxiety, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Intellectual disability, and hearing and vision loss. We are proud to say that 50% of our work benefits people with very profound disabilities.
At Circability, we believe in the transformative power of social circus. Join us in creating a more inclusive and joyful society through our innovative programs.
“Circus is the only thing that works for our high-needs students”.
- Kaitaia College, Drama teacher.
“Circability classes are a nice safe environment for kids to
learn new skills with emphasis on positivity”.
- Mother of disabled youth