Announcement

Berlin Hosts: Ukrainian Circus During the War – Photo Exhibition

On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation launched a full-scale military aggression against Ukraine. The war changed everything, including the Ukrainian circus, whose artists found themselves facing unprecedented challenges.

Can a clown remain joyful when their country is suffering? How can one keep balance on a tightrope when their city has just been hit by a missile strike? What does an aerial gymnast feel when the lights go out during a performance?

The photo exhibition “Ukrainian Circus During the War,” organized by the CircusLife team, will open the doors to the world of Ukrainian circus for the international community. It will showcase its beauty and resilience, and tell the stories of artists who continue to bring joy to audiences despite the war.

Through powerful imagery, the exhibition will highlight the unique challenges faced by Ukrainian circus artists during the war, revealing how they maintain their spirit and creativity under the harshest of circumstances. From clowns spreading laughter amidst suffering to aerialists performing in the face of uncertainty, the exhibition will offer a glimpse into the strength of the human spirit and the enduring legacy of Ukrainian circus culture.

The event is set to provide a platform for international audiences to witness how the war has shaped not only the lives of the performers but also the art form itself. With the combination of breathtaking visuals and emotionally resonant narratives, Ukrainian Circus During the War will stand as a testament to the artists’ unbroken resolve to perform and share their craft, even in the most challenging times.

Berlin will be the first European city to host the exhibition.

From October 25 to November 4, all interested can visit the Hotel Continental – Art Space in Exile, Elsenstraße 87, Berlin. Entry to the exhibition is free.

The official opening is scheduled for October 26 at 5:00 PM.

During the opening, visitors can meet the exhibition organizers, learn more about the stories behind the photographs, and interact with exhibition partners and circus artists. After the event, all attendees will also have the chance to enjoy the circus show “Circus Session”. Tickets for the show are available at artspaceinexile.org

The photo exhibition is being held with the informational support of the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine. Exhibition partners include the National Circus of Ukraine, the European circus magazine Circus Zeitung (German Association of Circus Friends), the art space Art Space in Exile, and the Circus Scenic production.

After Berlin, the CircusLife team plans to hold the photo exhibition at key circus art venues across Europe, including the youth festival in Wiesbaden and the circus arts festival in Monte Carlo. Further exhibitions in other cities will be announced separately.

We invite everyone to visit this unique event and connect with the history of the Ukrainian circus, created by circus artists and performers in the times of trial!


For more information about the exhibition, please contact the event organizers at +380975201476 (WhatsApp) or CircusLife Instagram.

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