Performance in the circus world can build connections, tell stories, create social change, and envision new possibilities, allowing people from all over the world to connect through a shared language. Everyone deserves access to this, not just a privileged few.
Since 2020, CSAW (Connecting Circus Students Around the World) has been working to change the system—amplifying underrepresented voices, breaking down barriers, and putting real resources in the hands of BIPOC circus artists.
To date, we’ve awarded over $90,000 in direct support to 50+ BIPOC circus artists, funded three new full-length productions by BIPOC groups, supported the founding of International Black and Indigenous Circus Week, and been an advocate in the circus space for equity and diversity.
But in these trying times, the need for support of artists of color is ever more important and these programs only exist because of people like you giving. Thank you to everyone who has made our work possible in the past, we are only able to continue doing our work with support from you. Consider supporting CSAW today!
Our Work
Access
CSAW offers a variety of grants to reduce the financial barriers that many artists of color face who want to pursue their passion in circus.
Microgrants - $1000 monthly grants to BIPOC circus artists for any immediate circus related need.
Cannonball Grant - $5600 to a BIPOC artist group or collective to fund new full-length works, performed at the Cannonball Fringe Festival in Philadelphia.
Tuition Grant - Two $5000 grants that go towards supporting a pre-professional circus artist of color pay for circus school. On pause until more funding can be acquired.
Resources
CSAW provides access to information for students interested in pursuing their circus education in the US and around the world by providing a one-stop-shop resource for circus school applications and deadlines.
We also run an Ambassador program from which past students can pass along helpful information such as a schools anti-racism policies, specialty training programs, and experiences with teachers and faculty.
Opportunity
CSAW works to create and share opportunities with circus artists of color in the form of paid jobs, performance opportunities, BIPOC specific festivals and or other artistic grants.
We partner with artists and festivals to create spaces that are inclusive, foster new works by BIPOC artists, and create community for circus artists of color.
We supported the founding of International Black and Indigenous Circus Week with the Cannonball Festival and continue a grant to fund new works at this festival.
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Community
In 2026, CSAW will work on programs that foster community building for BIPOC artists within the circus world.
Isolation, lack of representation and systemic barriers can deter circus artists of color from pursuing their dreams or being aware of the opportunities available.
Through community gatherings (virtual and in person), job boards, chat groups, and grantee community groups - we can help bridge the gaps of information and disconnection and support each other.
HELP CSAW CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BIPOC CIRCUS ARTISTS IN 2026
2025 Microgrants!
$1,000 CSAW Microgrants
for US Circus Artists of Color
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FROM THE 1ST TO THE 15TH OF EVERY MONTH NOW UNTIL DECEMBER
The 2025 Microgrant Program is made possible thanks to a fully funded crowdfunding campaign and our sponsors!
Want to sponsor a Microgrant? Email info@csawcircus.org
Photo featuring previous CSAW Microgrant Awardee
Catherine Doveland.
THANK YOU TO THE 2025 CSAW SPONSORS
WE ARE SEEKING 2026 SPONSORS!
CSAW is still actively looking for sponsors to help us be able to guarantee the rest of the 2026 Microgrant Program and our Tuition Grant Program.
You could join these amazing organizations by sponsoring CSAW today! Email info@csawcircus.org and let's talk about how you can support more funding for BIPOC artists! Sponsorships of any amount are welcome.
CSAW Community in Action
The #CSAWCircusTechniqueSeries is an online program that provides a virtual class a month to circus artists of all levels and backgrounds. Each month we feature a different teachers that provide a series of classes, from flexibility to handstand prep!
Get access for as little as $5/month!