EKO Pirynees of Circus

European cross-border cooperation project for a sustainable and connected circus

EKO – Pirineus de Circ is a European cross-border cooperation project aimed at strengthening the capacities of the contemporary circus sector in the cross-border area between Spain and France (including Andorra), through training, creation, mediation, and sustainability.

Over a three-year period (2024–2026), EKO proposes a support ecosystem for contemporary circus based on ecological transition, project circularity, and territorial and artistic connection between creators and key reference centers in Southern Europe. The project is led by La Grainerie (Toulouse) and includes 14 direct partners from Catalonia, Aragon, the Basque Country, Occitania, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. In Catalonia, the partners are La Central del Circ, APCC, and El Canal – Centre de creació d’arts escèniques de Salt.

From El Canal, we actively participate in the development of the project by hosting international residencies, taking part in gatherings such as the EKO Hackathon, and promoting new creation and mediation models rooted in the territory with a low ecological footprint.

Main objectives of the project:

• Strengthen the artistic and professional fabric of the circus sector in the cross-border area.

• Offer residencies and support to artists working with values of sustainability and mediation.

• Promote the circulation of works and processes between regions and cultural actors.

• Foster new collaborative models between artists, programmers, and creation centers.

Key actions:

• Calls for creation-mediation projects with financial support of up to €15,000.

• International artistic residencies in network spaces.

• Training and events such as the EKO Hackathon, a collective marathon to build sustainable pathways.

• Active participation of associated organizations such as Ateneu 9Barris, Fira Tàrrega, l’Estruch, and Tub d’assaig, among others.