Overview of the Organization

Zip Zap Circus France is the French extension of the renowned Zip Zap Circus School Trust in South Africa, an organization that for over 32 years has harnessed the transformative power of circus arts to foster social cohesion, address inequalities, and create pathways to personal and professional development. Founded by Brent van Rensburg and Laurence Estève, Zip Zap has become an international reference point for inclusive artistic training. Its model combines physical performance, creativity, teamwork, and psychosocial support to empower young people—particularly those from marginalized backgrounds—to unlock their potential. By establishing a base in France, Zip Zap expands its reach, strengthens international exchanges, and supports Franco–South African collaborations that enrich artistic practices and open global opportunities for emerging performers.

Project Duration

12 months

Project Objective

The project aims to elevate the professionalization of young artists enrolled in Zip Zap’s pre‑professional program by reinforcing technical mastery, artistic versatility, creative innovation, and pedagogical competencies. It seeks to expand income‑generating opportunities, enhance employability within the global circus and performing arts markets, and secure the long‑term sustainability of the organization. The objective is not only to improve individual career prospects but also to strengthen Zip Zap’s role as an incubator for high‑quality, socially impactful circus arts.

Key Activities

• Strengthening pedagogy and aligning training with international standards: The project will refine curricula, integrate contemporary methods from leading circus schools worldwide, and improve coaching approaches. This includes assessment frameworks, updated training methodologies, and increased exposure to international trainers to ensure that Zip Zap’s educational model meets global benchmarks.
• Developing a recognized professional certificate: The program will formalize a new certificate aligned with industry expectations, ensuring that emerging artists graduate with recognized qualifications. This certification will reinforce their professional legitimacy, support access to auditions, contracts, and residencies, and strengthen the school’s reputation within international networks.
• Supporting career pathways for artists as performers and trainers: The initiative will provide tailored career guidance, mentorship, portfolio development, and hands‑on experience as both performers and assistant trainers. This dual‑pathway approach increases long‑term employability, enabling graduates to contribute to the cultural sector not only on stage but also as educators, facilitators, and community artists.
• Improving artistic quality and originality of Zip Zap shows: The project will support creative labs, artistic residencies, and collaborations with French and international professionals. By encouraging innovation and refining the creative process, Zip Zap aims to elevate the aesthetic quality, thematic relevance, and global visibility of its productions. This will also help diversify revenue streams through high‑quality touring shows and partnerships.

Expected Impacts

• Expanded access to professional education, internationally recognized training pathways, and viable long‑term career opportunities for emerging circus artists.
• Advancement of gender equality through inclusive selection processes, equal access to leadership roles, and dedicated support mechanisms for young women artists.
• Strengthened employability for young artists, supported by professional certification, exposure to industry networks, and improved artistic and teaching skills.
• Increased financial and artistic sustainability through diversified revenue models, enhanced institutional partnerships, and higher‑quality artistic outputs capable of touring internationally.

Beneficiaries
Direct beneficiaries: 55
Indirect beneficiaries: 3,020

Project Budget
Total project cost: USD 251,000
Grant requested: USD 53,000