Open call Cirque Numerique 2026

07.01.2026

Announcement

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On July 24, 25, and 26, 2026, the gates of the Grootseminarie in Bruges will open for Cirque Plus. Artists from Belgium and abroad will take over the most welcoming garden in Bruges for three days to showcase their best work to a large and diverse audience. Cirque Plus is primarily an open-air circus festival and aims to be a springboard for new circus talent.

With Cirque Numerique, we offer new or recent, short, finished acts a full place within the festival program.

Previous artists on the Cirque Numerique stage include:

Mili Gobbi (ES), Alonso (CL), La Nams (ES), ShuHuan Chang (TW), Au Creux du Ventre (FR/CH), Leles (BR), Andrea Gonzalez (MX), Black Brick (ES), BuitenGewoon (NL), Cie de Cirque RQTC (AR), Emma Hörnell (SE), Sien Van Acker (BE), Aurelie Tercier (FR), Batist Van Baekel (BE), Duo n’Joy (BE), Trio Fullfa (BE), Fleur Perneel (BE), Duo Hopscotsch (UK), Meike Schnapper (DE), Amélie Degrande (FR), Cie. Faisca (IT/FI), Duo-NU (BE), Hannah Finn (US), Manon Verplancke (BE), and Cie. ‘waarom nie?’ (BE).

Who is this call for?

Circus artists who:

Have completed training at a circus school (or are in their final year), or have developed their skills through a circus workshop, or are self-taught.

Are active in any circus discipline: acrobatics, balance acts, juggling, clowning, magic, circus theatre, etc.

Note: Aerial acts are only possible if you bring your own rig or Chinese pole, and if setup and takedown are compatible with other acts.

Participation requirement

Your act is new or recent (created in 2024 or 2025).

You perform as a solo, duo, or trio (no groups larger than 3).

Your act lasts minimum 5 and maximum 12 minutes and is a finished piece. The video you submit must show the full act (not just a teaser) and last no longer than 12 minutes. Acts outside this time frame will not be considered.

The act must be suitable for open-air and cabaret settings. Keep in mind ambient noise—quiet, intimate acts are less suitable.

You perform for a Dutch-speaking audience (if you use text in another language, keep it minimal).

You are available on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

You provide your own materials and props (aerial acts must bring their own rig and rigger). Acts with large sets, falling props, or those that rely solely on lighting are not possible.

Send in maximum one act per person/company.

What does Cirque Plus offer?

A day fee of €300 per artist and a travel allowance of up to €50 for travel within Belgium or up to €100 for international travel.

Catering provided. Overnight stay possible if absolutely necessary.

Professional support.

A performance area of 8 x 8 m and a sound system.

All acts perform once outdoors during the day. Four acts will also be included in a cabaret program on Sunday evening. The two other acts will perform a second time in the afternoon.

All acts will perform twice on Sunday, July 26.

A large, enthusiastic audience and networking opportunities with artists and professionals from the circus sector.

How to apply?

The application deadline is March 1, 2026.

Fill out this online form: OPEN CALL | Cirque Numerique 2026 - Formulier invullen

We expect a video recording of the complete act, not just a teaser or a flashy edited promo.
Your video should be at least 5 minutes and no longer than 12 minutes, and it must show the act exactly as you will perform it at the festival.