Unicamp will host, between August 3rd and 5th, on its Campinas campus, the second in-person meeting of the international Circonsenso project, which seeks to create a model of professional competencies for the training of circus educators worldwide. The meeting will bring together 20 representatives from institutions in Latin America and Europe. Professors Marco Antonio Bortoletto, from the Faculty of Physical Education (FEF), and Rodrigo Mallet, from the Institute of Arts (IA), are among the organizers of the event.
The initiative is funded by the European Commission, as a result of an agreement signed this year between Unicamp and a consortium of international organizations. It will last for three years, between 2026 and 2028. The first meeting took place in Barcelona, Spain, in March.
Currently, Brazil does not have technical or higher education courses specifically focused on this training. “Thanks to the experience accumulated over the last few decades, and cooperation agreements with institutions in France, Canada, and other countries, Unicamp has become part of international initiatives aimed at strengthening training and research in circus arts. The growth of these spaces around the world reinforces the demand for qualified professionals to work in teaching,” explains Bortoletto. “The expansion of the sector has led many circus artists and professionals to carry out teaching activities without specific pedagogical training. The objective of the project is to contribute to the qualification of these professionals, strengthening circus training and guaranteeing better conditions for the development of the activity,” emphasizes the FEF professor.
Professor Rodrigo Mallet emphasizes that, for Unicamp, holding the in-person meeting represents international recognition of its leadership in research, teaching, and outreach in circus arts, consolidating its role as a strategic partner in the Circonsenso project and strengthening the construction of benchmarks for the training and qualification of circus teachers in Brazil and Latin America.
Postgraduate specialization
The Campinas region stands out for its strong presence of circus schools. A survey conducted in 2022 identified more than 20 institutions in the region, some with more than 300 students enrolled. Nationally, the study indicated the existence of more than 400 active circus schools. “Unicamp has already developed initiatives aimed at training circus educators, including a course offered by Extecamp (Extension School) on social circus. Currently, the University is working on creating a specialization course in the area, scheduled for launch in 2027, in addition to developing a proposal for the implementation of a higher education course in circus arts in 2028,” informs Bortoletto.
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