Event History
Círculo opened its doors in September 2021 with the purpose of creating a safe, inclusive space for the creative community of Oaxaca to train, share skills, develop shows and perform. Our aim is not only to support the growth and development of local artists, but to create a collaborative space where we welcome visiting artists, both national and international, and provide a platform to show their work. Círculo is the only facility in the centre of Oaxaca with a full sized rig for practicing aerial arts and because of this we have the ability to bring unique shows and experiences to the wider community. Since opening we have hosted circus shows and cabarets, theatre performances, themed parties, cinema nights, a vogue circus ball, life drawing sessions with the models suspended in the air, art markets, sound baths, cacao ceremonies, clown courses and workshops of all different types. We have regular aerial and acrobatics classes and studios offering holistic treatments including massage, reflexology and osteopathy. Círculo is a space free of discrimination, everyone is welcome regardless of age, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, experience or ability.
What Makes this event different?
Our unique location in the vibrant heart of Oaxaca City means we are immersed in the culture, history, colors and flavors of this magical city that is nestled in the mountains. We are located two blocks from the biggest park in the city - el Llano and one block away from Jalatlaco - a colorful neighborhood full of cafés and restaurants. The Zocalo, Santo Domingo and the markets are all within walking distance from the space. We are off the main street so it’s generally quiet in the evenings and walking into our plant filled patio feels like a cool haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. We have connections to other arts spaces, artists, performers, artisans, musicians, theaters and creative practitioners which means that we can facilitate the residents' needs to learn and collaborate.
Artist Residency Opportunity in Mexico
Our art residency program opened in February 2023 for visiting creative practicioners to focus on their artistic development. We welcome artists working in all disciplines who are looking for a space to create and be inspired. This is a self directed residency with tailored support to facilitate each individuals needs. Our goal is to enhance the residents’ experience in a variety of ways, such as, programming workshops specific to the learning path of the artist, or enable collaborations with local artists. There’s the opportunity for residents to show a work in progress, host an open studio or participate in one of our performances. Creative exchange is also welcomed if residents want to host talks or teach workshops and classes.
Since beginning the program we have welcomed an aerial artist specialising in rope, aerial hoop and straps, a performer exploring clown and physical theatre and a visual artist who created large scale murals.
The residency program supports the work of Círculo in a variety of ways. The income from the program allows us to support emerging artists in Oaxaca by providing rehearsal time at an affordable rate, assisted places on the classes and workshops and helps fund showings of new works.
The program also offers the opportunity to share skills and create friendships, with the potential to build bridges between cultures and communities.
The residency space is a studio with 3 rooms - a small bedroom, an office and a larger space big enough to dance, stretch, move, paint, host workshops, mount a small exhibition - whatever you'd like to do with it in the time that you're staying in Círculo. The bathroom is shared and we have a fully equipped kitchen which is where the shower is. Residents have full access to the shared spaces - the main patio with fully equipped aerial rig and mats, and the dance studio which also has riggable beams. You're welcome to take the aerial and handstand classes during your stay and use the shared spaces for your personal training outside of class times when the areas are available.
We currently have two residency studios available for the months of July and August. The second space is a smaller studio divided into two with a curtain with a bedroom on one side and a bright workspace on the other.
For more information about this art residency, please contact: circulo.oax@gmail.com.
