Call for papers: CARP seminar “sense or non-sense of costumes in Circus Arts”, Ghent (BE) Jan 14

The first CARP Seminar (14 January 2020, Ghent) will tackle the sense or non-sense of costumes in Circus Arts, the presence or absence of costume design in contemporary circus. CARP is looking for contributions.

What is the importance of costume design in the creation of a circus production? Nothing is more iconic than traditional circus costumes. But much has changed since the heydays of classical circus. From rejection of this colourful and glamorous heritage costume design has seriously evolved from neutral colours to plain clothes or even training gear to distinguish itself from the glittering sequins and skinny leotards.

Where do we stand now in this rich and fascinating history of costume development in contemporary circus? What are the implications of designing for circus, the limits a designer stumbles on in designing for circus? How can textile innovation influence costume design, and how can this push the limits of circus techniques?

Many questions can be tackled during our first CARP Morning seminar in Ghent, Belgium. Please send your propositions (max. 300 words + short bio) to  before the 15th of October 2019.

The call is open to all researchers over the world. Please note that there is no fee to participate in the seminar. The CARP seminar cannot cover transport and accommodation cost. Places for presenting are limited, max. 2 contributions will be presented (max. 20 min. in English), but all papers will be considered by the CARP scientific board to be published on CARP journal online.

CARP Morning Seminar: Tuesday 14 January 2020, Ghent (BE), 9h-13h. In the framework of Smells Like Circus Festival. Smells Like Circus (14-18 January 2020) is a five-day focus on circus arts, presented in January on different locations in Ghent (BE), and is organized by Circuscentrum and Arts Centre Vooruit. Together we explore the boundaries between circus, dance, performance and theatre.