Flipside Circus cuts the ribbon on Queensland's largest circus centre

Massive growth for Queensland’s artistic landscape

Flipside Circus launches their new venue – The Brisbane Circus Centre with a brand new show, From Little Things and welcomes the public to discover the fun and excitement of circus at Flipside Open Day.

Queenland’s largest youth arts organisation is hosting three events to celebrate the new venue. There will be an official launch event on 24 Feburary; the world-premiere of a brand new circus show, From Little Things on March 3; and a public Open Day on March 5 where the entire community is welcome to come and try their hand at circus skills.

Flipside Circus CEO/Artistic Director, Robert Kronk welcomed the opening of the venue. “The Brisbane Circus Centre has long been a dream for Flipside. It enables us to provide world-class facilities for our artists and our community. We could not have made this dream a reality without the support of our funding partners and the tireless efforts of the Flipside family. We’re very excited about the space and can’t wait to throw the doors open.”

“The Centre combines form and function, design and utility, to create an iconic building that is uniquely circus. Made from shipping containers it is a modern industrial circus sculpture that our artists can climb, jump and swing from.”

The first ever show in the Brisbane Circus Centre is set to take place from March 2-11. From Little Things is an ambitious new performance that celebrates circus and the way circus skills are passed from one generation to another. Internationally renowned company Casus Creations are working side-by-side with Flipside’s young and early career artists to showcase the spirit of collaboration and mentorship that makes the Flipside community stand apart from the rest.

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Growing up in the cirus I knew how important it was to pass down knowledge from generation to generation. Circus has always been a collaboritve artform. We really thought we could showcase that not just as directors and trainers but as performers in the show as well – to assist in the upbringing of the next generation. ”

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch congratulated Flipside Circus for achieving their vision of a new home.

“The Palaszczuk Government has supported Flipside Circus to realise their vision for the Brisbane Circus Centre, providing funding of $290,000 for the first stage of construction, along with investment of $640,000 through the Organisations Fund 2022 – 2025 to support the company’s core operations,” Minister Enoch said.

“This new facility gives Flipside Circus room to grow as an organisation, boosting its reputation for exceptional physical theatre, and providing career pathways and training space for young people to develop their circus skills.”

“ Queensland is recognised as a global leader in groundbreaking circus performance, and the Brisbane Circus Centre is testament to the success of the circus and physical theatre arts industry in our state. ”

“Showcasing our unique arts and artists are a priority of Creative Together, our 10-year roadmap for the arts, ensuring Queensland is in a strong position to meet the demand for high-quality Queensland-produced work ahead of Brisbane 2032,” the Minister said.

Anyone and everyone is welcome to come to the Flipside Open Day. An exciting opportunity to try circus skills, see the state-of-the-art circus facility in person, and join the Flipside community. There are three sessions available across the day including a Sensory Friendly Workshop for young people with special abilities to enjoy the excitement of circus. Our trainers will be teaching circus skills including aerials like lyra, silks and trapeze, mini-trampoline, hula hooping, juggling and devil sticks. Open Day is on Sunday 5 March with two sessions for ages 5-14 starting at 3pm and 4pm. Sensory Friendly Workshop ages 5-12 is at 1.30-2.30pm.

The facility is set to welcome 110,000 visitors a year in the vibrant new riverside precinct. It is Queensland’s largest circus centre, training more than 55,000 participants, delivering programs to regional and remote communities, supporting circus performances, and attracting circus artists and companies from across Australia.

The Australian Government has invested $1M in the project through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development’s Community Development Grants Program.

Flipside Circus also received $290,000 through Arts Queensland’s Strategic Infrastructure Fund as well as ongoing support from Economic Development Queensland (EDQ).