Q&A
What constitutes a National Centre and how does one achieve “National
Centre” status?
The word “National” is a sensitive word and cannot be used without the prior consent
of the secretary of state. In order to receive the title of “National Centre” the
organisation had to demonstrate their pre-eminence in the field by applying with
supporting evidence from a representative trade association or other relevant body.
In the National Centre for Circus Arts case this was ACE we also submitted
supporting documents from FEDEC and CDD.
The National Centre submitted this to Companies House which is part of the
Department for Business Innovation and Skills.
How is the National Centre for Circus Arts Funded?
The National Centre is a registered charity (no. 1001839). Over half of the annual
income needed to run Circus Space comes from grants and donations.
What training does the National Centre for Circus Arts provide?
The diverse range of work offer by the National Centre for Circus Arts includes the
UK’s only BA Hons degree in Circus Arts, a structured progressive training
programme for under 18s and professional development opportunities for aspiring
and established performers. Adults and young people can take part in a range of
recreational classes and we provide workshops and away days for the business
community.
What is the conservatoire for Dance and Drama?
Established in 2001, the Conservatoire is a Higher Education Institution with a unique
structure, comprising eight schools. All of these are small, specialist institutions with
international reputations for high quality delivery in their respective fields:
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Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
Central School of Ballet
National Centre for Circus Arts
London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
London Contemporary Dance School
Northern School of Contemporary Dance
Rambert School of Ballet and contemporary Dance
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
Each school has an established record of training its students to a professional
standard with an excellent success rate in the number of its students gaining
employment in dance, drama or circus. The unrivalled quality of teaching enables the
most talented students to benefit from vocational training, to which access is given
regardless of background or financial circumstances. Within the Conservatoire there
is a balance between the art forms of dance and drama, classical and contemporary
styles, as well as the only provision for circus arts within higher education.
Each of the Conservatoire schools is a separate and distinct institution that employs
its own teaching staff and remains legally autonomous. At the same time, students
are registered jointly with the Conservatoire and the individual school. The
Conservatoire operates through a series of committees and working groups to
determine policy for the schools as a whole. The schools themselves are involved at
every level of deliberation within the Conservatoire, enabling them to share
knowledge and expertise for the benefit of staff, students and the wider creative
world that they serve.
How are the degrees validated?
The National Centre for Circus Art’s degrees are validated by the University of Kent.
When was the building built?
Located in Hoxton, London, five minutes from Old Street tube, Circus Space, housed
in the Shoreditch Electric Light Station, provides a unique facility for artistic
development, rehearsal and the staging of events.
Retaining the features and character of an imposing industrial space, the building
began life as an electricity generating station in 1896. The site was rescued from
dereliction in 1994 and, following extensive restoration and reconstruction, the
building gained a new lease of life as a centre of excellence for the Circus Arts.
A facility unique to the UK, the Circus Space is regarded as one of the top three
circus schools in Europe. The individual studios are available to hire throughout the
year, and provide flexible and affordable space for artistic companies and corporate
clients alike.
The Creation Studio occupies the core of the Energy Centre, the most recent phase
of development on our site. This has been designed specifically with performers in
mind. It provides an excellent resource for artists and companies making and
rehearsing work. In addition, affordable workspaces are available for lease.
How tall are the combustion and generation chambers?
The Combustion Chamber: 25m long x 17m wide x 17.5m high (11m to grid. 9.5m to
underslung truss)
The Generating Chamber: 20m long x 14m wide x 7.25m high (to beams)
More information about Jane Rice Bowen, CEO of the National Centre for
Circus Arts
Jane Rice-Bowen joined Circus Space in January 2005 with a BA (Hons) in Law from
Oxford and an MA in Theatre for Development. Jane has worked in a range of Arts
and Education settings at home in the UK and abroad in Japan and Canada. She
believes strongly in the power of the Arts to change lives and to empower people and
communities. Jane moved into venue management in 2001 and ran Blackfriars Arts
Centre in Boston, Lincolnshire and Roadmender in Northampton, during this period
she did everything from producing pantomimes to staging rock concerts. Jane fell in
love with The Circus Space the moment she walked through the doors and never
fails to be amazed by the extraordinary feats performed by the people who train here.
More about Kate White, CEO of the National Centre for Circus Arts
Kate White joined Circus Space as Director of Marketing and Communication from
The Courtyard Centre for the Arts in Hereford in mid 2007. Kate has much
experience of regional and rural arts in multi art form venues and has developed
partnerships across regions in both the East and West Midlands. With responsibility
for developing the Circus Space brand, marketing and both internal and external
communication strategies for all of Circus Space’s activities Kate was also acting as
Director of Lifelong Learning through a period of change in the delivery of that
programme. She took on the role of Deputy Chief Executive in late 2008 and
became Acting CEO covering Jane Rice-Bowen’s maternity leave in December
2009. When Jane considered returning to work in 2010 they began a job share
arrangement that continues to this day.
Kate’s first career was as a Foreign Exchange dealer in the city which she left when
she started a family in 1983.
Who has trained at Circus Space in the past?
The National Centre for Circus Arts has trained some of the world’s leading circus
performers and performers have gone on to train at the Royal Shakespeare
Company, NoFit State, Cirque Du Soleil, The Roundhouse, The V&A, Les 7 Doigts
de la Main and National Theatre. People who have trained at the National Centre for
Circus Arts or support the organisation include Sadie Frost, Javis Cocker, Christian
Louboutin, Toby Stephens, Emma Bridgewater, Anna-Louise Plowman, Jason
Gardiner, Rowland Gift, Steven Daldry, Bradley Hemmings, Jessice Brown Findlay,
Anthony Van Laast and several others.