Society of Contemporary Circus Artists

DUSC – Društvo umjetnika suvremenog cirkusa (Society of Contemporary Circus Artists) is a Croatian umbrella association of circus artists and other authors active in the artistic field of circus. According to its official website, it functions as a roof organization for circus artists and related creators, with the stated goal of affirming and developing contemporary circus in Croatia. Its activities span membership, projects, education, publishing and advocacy for the circus arts sector. The association is based in Croatia and operates nationally, with activities documented in cities such as Split. Its website lists sections for membership, members, membership conditions, projects, a circus yearbook (Cirkuski godišnjak), a national circus platform (Nacionalna cirkuska platforma), news and contact. This structure indicates that DUSC acts both as a professional network and as a platform for sector development, connecting artists, critics, theorists and organizers. DUSC's programming includes workshops and training for performing artists, circus analysis and criticism workshops, and public statements on artistic matters. For example, it has organized workshops with figures such as Jeanne Mordoj and Jean-Michel Guy, and it has published texts from participants of its circus analysis and criticism workshop. It also issues public statements, such as its response regarding reactions to the performance "Piti Peta Hofen Show" at the Festival of Street Magicians in Istria. Membership is a core part of the organization: DUSC periodically opens calls for new members, with application deadlines announced on its website (for instance, calls with deadlines in 2023, 2024 and 2025). Through these activities, DUSC positions itself as a representative and developmental body for contemporary circus in Croatia, supporting artists, fostering critical discourse, and promoting the field nationally.

DUSC – Društvo umjetnika suvremenog cirkusa (Society of Contemporary Circus Artists) is a Croatian umbrella association of circus artists and other authors working in the artistic field of circus. Its official website describes it as a roof organization for circus artists and related creators, with the goal of affirming and developing contemporary circus in Croatia. The organization is based in Croatia and operates nationally, with activities documented in locations such as Split. The association's public activity, as reflected on its website, includes membership development, education, projects, publishing and advocacy. It maintains sections for membership, members, membership conditions, projects, a circus yearbook (Cirkuski godišnjak), a national circus platform (Nacionalna cirkuska platforma), news and contact. This indicates a dual role: a professional network for artists and a platform for sector-wide development. DUSC has organized and promoted workshops and training for performing artists. In March 2025, a workshop for performing artists with Jeanne Mordoj was held in Split. In March 2023, it issued a call for a circus analysis and criticism workshop with Jean-Michel Guy, inviting critics, journalists, editors and performance theorists to apply. In August 2024, texts by participants of the Circus Analysis and Criticism Workshop were published; the workshop had been held in Split in April as part of the Festival of Unusual Families, led by curator and editor Valentina Barone. The organization also engages in public statements on artistic matters. In June 2025, it published a statement regarding reactions to the performance "Piti Peta Hofen Show," performed at the Festival of Street Magicians in Istria. Membership is a recurring focus. DUSC has periodically opened calls for new members, with application deadlines announced on its website, including deadlines in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Through these activities, DUSC has positioned itself as a representative and developmental body for contemporary circus in Croatia, supporting artists, fostering critical discourse, and promoting the field nationally.

• DUSC opened a call for new members with an application deadline of 15 May 2023.

• Call for a circus analysis and criticism workshop with Jean-Michel Guy, inviting critics, journalists, editors and performance theorists.

• Texts by participants of the Circus Analysis and Criticism Workshop published; the workshop was held in Split in April as part of the Festival of Unusual Families, led by Valentina Barone.

• DUSC opened a call for new members with an application deadline of 7 December 2024.

• Workshop for performing artists with Jeanne Mordoj held in Split.

• DUSC published a statement regarding reactions to the performance "Piti Peta Hofen Show" at the Festival of Street Magicians in Istria.

• DUSC opened a call for new members with an application deadline of 3 December 2025.

Umbrella association and national platform for contemporary circus in Croatia, focused on affirmation, development, education and advocacy for circus artists.

• Cirkuski godišnjak (circus yearbook)

• Nacionalna cirkuska platforma (national circus platform)

• Membership program

• Circus analysis and criticism workshop

1. 1DUSC official websitedusc.hr
2. 2Society of contemporary circus artists – Wikidatawikidata.org