Sibiu to host 2026 European meeting of contemporary circus, outdoor arts

As part of the 2026 edition of the International Theatre Festival (FITS), Sibiu will host the annual meeting of the most important European network of contemporary circus and outdoor arts, which will be attended by about 100 professionals, members of the Circostrada network."I am very happy to announce that in 2026 we will host the annual meeting of the Circostrada network for the first time in Sibiu. We will bring around 100 professionals, members of the network. They will be here to connect with the Romanian artistic and cultural scene, and also to meet artists from the region. We want to create a space where we can connect and develop new projects," says Stephane Segreto-Aguilar, coordinator of the Circostrada network.FITS has been part of the Circostrada network since 2022 and has quickly become one of the most involved members of the community."It is an important moment for all the associated organisations of FITS. We think many years in advance about the development of strategic projects for Sibiu, Romania and the entire region. We are glad to be able to announce holding the meeting in 2026, when Sibiu is also an example of what it means to develop street performances through the arts, through all the departments starting from the Culture Factory, to the integration of all the spaces where shows are played at the moment. Year after year, we bring to life several spaces in Sibiu, from the Great Square, the Small Square, Huet Square, Habermann Square, Nicolae Balcescu Pedestrian Square and the parks of Sibiu. Let's not forget the important communities around Sibiu, the Saxon fortified churches and many other spaces. It is a great joy that we can organise such a meeting, which will become a central point of dialogue worldwide," says Constantin Chiriac, chairman of FITS and the Performing Arts Exchange.Circostrada, founded in 2003, is the main European network for contemporary circus and outdoors Arts, comprising 158 organisations from 45 countries. The network aims to initiate meaningful change in the performing arts and policy-making, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable cultural landscape, through participatory research labs, training initiatives, networking events and advocacy measures. Circostrada is coordinated by ARTCENA and supported by the Creative Europe programme of the European Commission and the French Ministry of Culture.