As the year draws to a close, we’re shining a spotlight on two extraordinary not-for-profit creative organisations (and wonderful clients) who continue to thrive, innovate and inspire — even in an increasingly challenging arts environment.
Women’s Circus and Na Djinang Circus both prove that circus is far more than performance. It is a powerful tool for connection, empowerment, cultural storytelling and change.
✨ Women’s Circus: Empowerment, Creativity & Connection
Founded in 1991 at the Footscray Community Arts Centre, Women’s Circus began as a safe and supportive space for women survivors of violence. More than 30 years on, it has grown into a vibrant, inclusive creative community of over 250 members and 50 youth and families, welcoming people of marginalised genders with a shared love of physicality, circus and performance.
Today, Women’s Circus delivers a year-round program of social circus, creative projects and powerful performances for all ages, creating opportunities for people at every stage of life to build strength, confidence and connection.
Movement, Joy & Community in Action
Across thousands of workshops and community programs, participants experience teamwork, self-belief and the joy of trying something new. The Women’s Circus training space is one of encouragement and belonging — where people are supported to challenge themselves, celebrate small wins and grow in confidence together.
Their impact to date is extraordinary:
- 35+ original shows created
- 50,000+ audience members reached
- 300+ community projects delivered
- Thousands of circus workshops run
- Hundreds of artists are employed and trained
Professional Performance That Inspires
Women’s Circus is also renowned for its bold, contemporary productions, blending aerial performance, physical theatre and storytelling. Their shows tackle themes of justice, identity, resilience and empowerment — combining artistic excellence with social impact.
Each performance is not just entertainment, but an invitation to reflect, connect and see the world differently.
Growing Confidence From an Early Age
From young children discovering the joy of movement to adults finding their voice through performance, Women’s Circus creates accessible pathways into the arts for all ages. Their youth and family programs build creativity, coordination and confidence that extend far beyond the circus floor.
🔗 To explore classes, performances or make a tax-deductible donation, visit:
www.womenscircus.org.au
🔥 Na Djinang Circus: Shaping the Future of Blak Contemporary Circus
Na Djinang Circus envisions a bold future for Blak circus on unceded Indigenous lands, deeply informed by Indigenous cultural knowledges and ways of being. Their purpose is to elevate Blak Australian circus both nationally and internationally, while pushing creative boundaries through research, storytelling and cultural leadership.
Their movement language is visceral, poetic and powerful — each performance grounded in identity, strength and connection to culture.
Creating New Futures Through Movement & Story
Based in the western suburbs of Naarm (Melbourne), Na Djinang Circus is committed to nurturing the next generation of Blak circus artists through its Making Tracks programs. Making Tracks provides culturally safe and supportive training opportunities for First Nations young people, helping them build skills, confidence and creative voice.
These programs create sustainable pathways to employment in the arts and strengthen community connection, ensuring First Nations artists can develop long-term, fulfilling careers in contemporary circus. Their work can be supported with a tax-deductible donation at https://www.nadjinang.com.au/support-us
🖤 Why This Work Matters
In a landscape where the arts continue to face uncertainty, organisations like Women’s Circus and Na Djinang Circus remind us why creative spaces matter. They foster belonging, courage, truth-telling and transformation — for individuals, communities and audiences alike.
As we head into the festive season, we’re proud to celebrate these organisations and the profound impact they continue to make — locally, nationally and beyond.
