**Exhibition and Street Performances Capture Pulse of Circus Arts in Larnaca**
Larnaca is set to host a unique event that brings the vibrant world of circus arts from the streets into an exhibition space this October. The EVOHK artist-run space, as part of the Visual Voices’ Vis-à-Vis Nicosia programme, is presenting "Circus Box," a collaborative exhibition and performance featuring contributions from Gabriella Thoma, JugglingCyprus, and QuantumCircus.
Running from October 3 to 16, "Circus Box" aims to showcase the rich heritage and contemporary dynamics of circus arts in Cyprus. The exhibition will feature a series of immersive installations, visual archives documenting the Cyprus Circus Initiatives, live performances, and opportunities for circus training. This initiative seeks to reframe how visitors perceive space and movement within their communities, using circus as a medium for engagement and interaction.
Gabriella Thoma, a cultural anthropologist and geographer with a passion for circus arts as a transformative social tool, is one of the key figures behind the event. Having returned to Cyprus from Barcelona two years ago, Thoma is currently completing her thesis in Human Geography and Spatial Planning. Her involvement in "Circus Box" highlights the potential of circus arts to foster community connections and social change.
JugglingCyprus, another participant in the exhibition, is a grassroots initiative that has successfully transformed an underutilized urban space—a public parking lot next to Larnaca’s youth-built skate park—into a lively weekly gathering spot for play and movement through juggling and flow arts. This initiative exemplifies the community-building aspect of circus arts, encouraging participation and creativity among locals.
QuantumCircus, which emerged two years ago, aims to bring circus art and discipline to Cyprus. The initiative has seen consistent growth and seeks to bridge communities through the art of circus, with events planned on both sides of the divide in the region.
The opening night of "Circus Box" will take place on Saturday, October 3, at 7:30 PM, featuring two live performances that will culminate in a fire-playing display on the beach. The exhibition will remain open for visitors to explore until October 16, allowing them to experience how EVOHK has been transformed into a mini Carpa, showcasing rare circus objects, visual archives, and circus-inspired artworks.
A roundtable discussion is scheduled for October 9, where Gabriella Thoma, Andria Spyrou from QuantumCircus, Jean Paul from JugglingCyprus, and Eirene Constantinou, the founder of EVOHK, will engage in a dialogue about the role of circus arts as a tool for social intervention and its relevance in contemporary Cyprus. This conversation aims to deepen the understanding of how circus can contribute to societal change and community cohesion.
Additionally, attendees will have the chance to participate in juggling jams and training sessions on October 6 and 13 at SK8 Park Larnaca, further promoting engagement and involvement in the circus arts.
The "Circus Box" exhibition and its associated events represent a significant cultural moment for Larnaca, bridging artistic expression with community interaction. By inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the world of circus, the event promises to captivate and inspire, highlighting the transformative power of the arts in everyday life.
For more information on the exhibition and event schedule, interested individuals can visit the EVOHK website at www.evohkart.wixsite.com/arts/projects/circus-box.