Women in Circus Symposium 2026 Free

The National Fairground and Circus Archive invites scholars, researchers, and practitioners to a one-day symposium dedicated to exploring the powerful, complex, and often under-told stories of women in circus.

Taking place on Wednesday 5 August 2026 (09:30–16:30) at the Western Bank Library, this symposium will examine the evolving role of women across the long history of circus—onstage and off—through performance, promotion, leadership, and management.

Why Women in Circus?

Women have always been central to circus, yet their contributions have often been marginalized, romanticized, or misunderstood. This symposium asks essential questions:

How has the role of women in circus evolved over time?

Who were the trailblazers—and how do their legacies shape contemporary practice?

What challenges and structural barriers do women continue to face?

How do gender expectations influence career pathways, performance genres, and body image?

By bringing together academics, independent researchers, and practitioners with lived experience, the symposium aims to create a rich, interdisciplinary conversation that connects history, theory, and practice.

Call for Papers

The organizing committee welcomes proposals for 20-minute presentations (including Q&A) on any topic related to women in circus. Suggested themes include:

Remarkable performers and overlooked pioneers

Women breaking the mould

Historical contexts and women’s roles in circus development

Women’s legacy in circus

Feminism in the circus context

Physical performance and body image

Women shaping performance aesthetics

Challenges and opportunities for women in circus today

Submission guidelines

Abstract / summary (max. 300 words)

Short biography (max. 200 words)

All presenters must attend in person

Key dates

Submission deadline: Monday 23 March

Decisions announced: Monday 11 May

Registration opens: Monday 15 June

Submit your proposal via this form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19JEjP5708sozPX5EA4owTGZh4SPzebBikAjewgRDrwo/edit

Context & Location

The symposium will be held at the Western Bank Library, home of the National Fairground and Circus Archive, and forms part of a wider public programme celebrating Rope Women—an exhibition on the all-female troupe Skinning the Cat. The exhibition is co-curated by aerial performer, entrepreneur, and artist Rebecca Truman and NFCA Senior Archivist Arantza Barrutia, with an introduction by Vanessa Toulmin.

Access Information

The symposium room is located on Level 5 of the Western Bank Library and is accessible by both stairs and lift. Toilets are available on the ground floor. If you have any access requirements, please notify the organizers in advance so arrangements can be made.

Enquiries

For questions related to the symposium, please contact Arantza Barrutia at
[email protected]

(Subject line: Women in Circus Symposium 2026)

Please feel free to share this call widely. This symposium is an invitation to reflect, question, and re-center women’s voices—past, present, and future—in the circus arts.