Third round in 2022:
BigTopLabel certifications, considered the “Michelin-star recognition” of circus art, were distributed for the third time this year in the European Parliament in Brussels. The recognition can be given to European circuses that meet the requirements of a checklist of strict European standards drawn up by a professional committee, specially created for this purpose during an on-site inspection carried out by an independent person delegated by the European Parliament. The mandatory requirements are strict; in addition to checking the living and working conditions of the artists and technical employees, the companies must meet high standards, for example in the areas of animal welfare, transparency, law-abiding behavior, high artistic value, or even in meeting the broadest needs of the public. In recent years, six circuses have received this recognition, including the German Krone, the Swiss Knie, the French Arlette Gruss and the British Blackpool Tower Circus. This year, three new applicants met the European standards: the Bulgarian Circus Balkanski, the Swedish Brazil Jack and the German Circus Roncalli.
The European recognition, created with the professional support of the European Circus Association and the world federation Fédération Mondiale du Cirque (FMC), was founded and is supported to this day by Hungarian MEP István Ujhelyi. He is the vice-chairman of the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee; he has been a dedicated supporter of European circus art for many years, and was previously elected an honorary ambassador of circus art by the FMC.
At the award ceremony held in the European Parliament on October 12, Ujhelyi spoke, among other things, about how the economic crisis now poses new serious difficulties for the cultural sector, including the circus arts, after the grave damages caused by the Covid-pandemic. That is why the art sector needs the most effective and reliable support possible, and the presentation of exemplary quality must be an even more important priority. At the Brussels event, Ujhelyi called for the BTL-awarded circuses to come together and, with the hoped-for support of the European Commission, create a platform by jointly organizing workshops and professional programs that could help and support those circus troupes that do not necessarily meet the requirements of the highest European standards.
Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, also responsible for Horizon Europe, Creative Europe and other related European programs, was also present and delivered a speech at the event. Her speech was the followings:
“It is an honour for me to be here today, at the BigTopLabel awards ceremony, and I would like to warmly thank MEP Ujhelyi for inviting me.
The Circus is a beautiful art form, and it deserves all our support. It is actually a good epitome of the European Union, a group of diverse people banding together to do something bigger than themselves, connecting communities, one might even say, united in diversity?
Circus sets a valid example to society. No matter where you come from, no matter what talent you have developed, if you put enough work behind it, if you learn from a community that has put on a great show for centuries, there is a place for you to shine. To be under the spotlight. To have your self-discipline and humanity admired and respected. The performance of these virtues has made the circus what it is today, an integral part of our culture that we should recognise and support.
And this is precisely why we are here today.
MEP Ujhelyi put it brilliantly when he called the BigTopLabel with “the Michelin-star of circus arts”. Indeed, the BigTopLabel recognises excellence. It recognises that these performances deserve to travel. It recognises that the circus community deserve our support. The label guarantees a quality threshold. Animal welfare and safety. Social responsibility. The promotion of the wholesome values of this beautiful tradition. Not to mention that it promotes the renewal of this art. And this applies to all types of circuses, from traditional to modern, for those with animal acts or without. The BigTopLabel is a reference for the circus world. I hope it becomes a reference outside it too. And looking at the great names that already got the label, it is without a doubt well on its way. They are all circuses with a long tradition, constantly re-inventing themselves, always open to innovation. That is the same ambition that drives the three circuses we honour today. The Circus Balkanski from Bulgaria and Cirkus Brazil Jack from Sweden are family-run companies with a long tradition where the art has been meeting excellence from generation to generation -. Circus Roncalli from Germany has successfully paved the way for innovation in new sceneries since the mid 90’s, bringing acrobatic poetry to the circus ring.
Behind the scenes, these three circuses work hard to meet the highest standards. In the ring, their performances show the highest artistic value. They truly enchant us with their magic and poetry. They are great examples of why I am proud to be a part of supporting this community. Through projects funded by our programmes, through mobility opportunities, or through insight, building an evidence base that supports your needs when you advocate and organize for your community.
There are three topics that I would like to develop briefly, which are the European fundings, the support to artistic mobility, and the specific data needed so that our policies serve your community. Let me start with funding. Between 2014 and 2020, our Creative Europe programme supported many projects on the circus arts with a total of 7 million euros. A majority of our applications come from Nouveau Cirque or from professional circus schools, but I think traditional and family-owned circus should consider applying more often as well. In fact, I am convinced that the circus has a lot to give, and I would like to encourage you all to apply to more projects, not only through the Creative Europe programme, but also through Erasmus+. I believe that circus has real potential supporting inclusive education, fostering virtues all of us need to succeed, from perseverance to teamwork.
Second, mobility. And here, I have exciting news. building on the success of the I-Portunus pilot project, and thanks to the crucial support from the European Parliament, I have just launched “Culture Moves Europe” two days ago. This is a new initiative under the Creative Europe Programme promoting the individual mobility of artists and cultural professionals. Circus artists are welcome to participate in this new programme, especially as this community has such a big tradition of cultural transfers and connecting communities.
Third, data. As we were celebrating the 250th anniversary of the circus and the European Year of Cultural Heritage, in 2018, we launched an overarching study on the circus arts in Europe. I know that a lot of you contributed to that study, and I thank you for that. We are very proud of the results. We now have a solid evidence base on many aspects of circus life, from the socio-economic profile of the sector to the educational needs of children whose parents work in circus arts. This is essential for public authorities, from the EU to the local level, to support you the best we can.
Dear friends, as Stéphanie de Monaco, a friend of the circus community, rightly said: “Circus is what real life should be like. It’s sincerity, feeling, emotions. All real. There are no lies in circus.” Indeed, the circus teaches us to commit. To work. To help one another. So let me express my warmest congratulations to all those we celebrate today. Your contribution to our rich cultural tapestry is essential.
Thank you for impressing us, for leaving is in awe, for making us smile. Thank you for your attention, and I wish you an excellent ceremony.”
The BigTopLabel program continues, the dialogue with professional organizations and experts about the possible expansion and further development of the quality assurance system is ongoing