Mission

Hercinia Arts Collective is a non-profit, multi-disciplinary, contemporary circus organization dedicated to the creation, production and dissemination of new contemporary circus works. Our mission is to further the development of contemporary circus through collaboration and integration of a multitude of voices and art forms, and to bring circus arts (and all of its intersections) to individuals, spaces and communities that might not otherwise experience it.

We are dedicated to an inclusive definition of circus: as an art-form that encompasses any theatrical, performance-based work involving an element of spectacle and physical risk-taking. Through the development of circus arts into a unique physical language, we create dynamic physical performances that engage with an audience, bringing them into a dialogue with art.

Mandate

Hercinia Arts is a not-for-profit multi-disciplinary company dedicated to advancing contemporary circus through the lens of other art forms. This practice includes:

a) creating, presenting and touring new multidisciplinary circus shows with an emphasis on collective creation, vision and voice

b) presenting these works at festivals, theatres and special events, while focussing on audience accessibility by working to reduce barriers, particularly financial ones

c) promoting the continued development of circus arts in our community and beyond, through classes, workshops and outreach

To further codify our Mission/Mandate, Hercinia Arts Collective has created a number of Equity Policies, including an Anti-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment Policy, and an Accommodation Policy. These are living documents which we review annually with our Board of Directors. Public feedback is welcome and can be directed to kirsten@herciniarts.com.

about us

Hercinia Arts Collective is a multi-disciplinary company whose aim is to blur the boundaries between traditional performance and visual art forms and bring people into art. Founded by Natalie Parkinson (acrobat, dancer) and Emily Hughes (aerialist, actor) in 2009, we create dynamic physical performances that engage with an audience through story, complexity of theme and human spectacle. In 2012, we incorporated as a not-for-profit, to allow for further opportunities in creation of new works for a varied spectrum of audiences.

Since inception of the company, our unique performances have been showcased throughout Canada from street festivals to art events to dance showcases, and everything in between. Over the years, our focus has been particularly on outdoor performances, as a means to bring our art to a broader public who might not otherwise have access to artistic performances through conventional means. As circus, theatre and dance artists, our main investigation in performance is to use circus as a language through which to explore themes, characters or to tell stories. As a practice based on visuals and movement, circus is an exciting language because it can communicate on such a visceral level. This makes it accessible to a varied and wide audience. Sometimes art can be elitist, and we think it is vital that as artists we make an effort to narrow this gap and connect with audiences. Through our work performing in public space, and through a conscious effort to create works that are fun and interactive, we strive to engage with an audience.

CO-FOUNDERS & ARTISTIC DIRECTORS

KEY COLLABORATORS

Board of Directors

Evan DeRushie, Toronto, animator/director

Faisal Ibrahim, Toronto, environmental economist & recreational circus artist

Jayeden Walker, Toronto, circus artist & educator

Celeste Koon, Toronto, filmmaker/writer

Tyler Burke, Montreal, circus artist/rigger

Lindsay Stephens, Toronto, circus artist/academic