PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMME AT THE FESTIVAL RE RIGA! 2026
This year’s festival theme is TOGETHER – an invitation to explore participation, inclusion and the collective joy of circus. The programme looks at the unique ability of circus to bring people closer: artists and audiences, professionals and communities, strangers and future collaborators. A central focus of the 2026 edition is Flemish contemporary circus, one of Europe’s most dynamic circus scenes. Alongside the artistic programme, RE RIGA! 2026 invites circus professionals, artists, producers, curators, festival organisers and emerging makers to take part in a free professional programme held in English.
The professional programme includes:
Info Session About Fringe Festivals
11 August, 17.00, Rīgas cirks
Led by Dan le Man (EstoniaAustralia), this session is aimed at artists and independent performing arts companies looking for opportunities to present their work internationally. The session will introduce different Fringe festival formats, application processes, and the role of Fringe festivals within the international performing arts landscape.
Aerial Straps Workshop
12 August, 10.00–12.30, Rīgas cirks
Led by Seraphim Richter and Daniel Fernández López from Belgium, this masterclass by Company Alud will introduce participants to the foundations of aerial straps technique through structured exercises, technical drills and movement sequences. The masterclass is intended for professional aerialists, performing arts students and amateurs with previous aerial training.
Info Session About Flemish Circus
12 August, 17.00–18.00, Rīgas cirks
Led by Circuscentrum – Flemish Centre for Circus Arts, this session will introduce the Flemish circus sector, its structure, artists, current trends and opportunities for international collaboration. The session is intended for Latvian and international circus artists, producers, curators, festival organisers and other professionals interested in the Flemish circus landscape.
Discussion: Circus and Inclusion
13 August, 17.00, Rīgas cirks Horse Stable
The discussion will ask: who is still standing outside the doors of the circus? What does true inclusion mean, and how can culture challenge exclusion rather than unintentionally reinforce it? The panel brings together intercultural researcher and Latvian Academy of Culture PhD candidate Signe Bahšteina from Latvia, Arno Wauters and Leander Vanhaeren from Belgium, and France-based circus artist and director Daniel Gulko. The discussion will be moderated by Māra Pāvula, Director of Rīgas cirks.
There There Company Workshop
14 August, 11.00–13.30, Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (Sports Hall), Kr. Barona Street 1, Riga
There There Company invites you to join a physical, playful and inclusive workshop led by professional artists. Together, you will explore simple dance-like movements and the basics of partner acrobatics, or what the artists call “acrobatic encounters”. After the workshop, participants will join the performances on 14 and 15 August and become part of “Hugs & Handshakes”.
The workshop is open to everyone aged 16 and over. No previous experience or special physical training is needed. The workshop will respect each participant’s abilities, boundaries and experience.
Between Idea, Form and Content: How To Prepare an Application
14 August, 14.00–17.00, and 15 August, 11.00–14.00, Rīgas cirks
As part of the Baltic Nordic Circus Network project Nordic-Baltic Circus Innovation Incubator, Rīgas cirks will host a two-day workshop for emerging Baltic circus artists and authors. The workshop will be led by Thiago Souza – artist, European circus platform circusnext Laureate 2023, and member of the circusnext artistic jury. Participants will receive practical support in preparing applications for the circusnext selection, clarifying their artistic ideas, and strengthening their writing and pitching skills.
All professional events are free of charge, with prior registration required. REGISTRATION for professional workshops.
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