International Black Indigenous Circus Week was formally founded three years ago by Alyssa Bigbee of Rebel Arts Movement, (a social circus movement based in Kensington providing sliding scale classes for youth) and Zeloszelos Marchandt of Tauraro Artist in Residency and Film Festival, (an organization providing events, direct resources, classes and mutual aid to Black and Globally Native trans, Two Spirit and queer artists).
We are eternally grateful to the International Black and Indigenous governing body, without who’s wisdom and support, IBICW would not be present today. IBICW brings together Black Indigenous and Globally Native movement and mixed media artists together in one place, once a year to commiserate, inspire and share all the tea!
Our story all began with hearing there weren’t any Black or Native performers in circus, physical theater or mixed media/experimental art. And we answered….Oh, really? CHECK THIS OUT!……..
The roots of circus run deep in Black and Native communities. Many of the artform’s styles and presentation we see in contemporary circus today come from black and brown, queer and trans, two spirit, disabled folx and not to mention, generally artists that had something creative to offer but were pushed to the margins.
American and English household names in circus like Barnum and Bailey’s and Piccadilly capitalized on these unique artforms they saw around the world - choosing to lock people into unequitable contracts while raking in the millions. Today the contemporary circus is changing to one that honors those that had made circus the one artform today that people think of when they think of superhuman strength, gravity-defying process and over the top exhibitions.
international Black indigenous Circus Week brings you directly in front of artists honoring the heritage of circus while bringing it into the future. Everyone has an opportunity to be in the front row at IBICW, enjoy the art and know that each dollar is going directly to these artists.
We’ve all heard the saying it takes a village, but with IBICW, we couldn't raise the big top without each and every one of you.
The roots of circus run deep in Black and Native communities. Many of the artform’s styles and presentation we see in contemporary circus today come from black and brown, queer and trans, two spirit, disabled folx and not to mention, generally artists that had something creative to offer but were pushed to the margins…….
American and English household names in circus like Barnum & Bailey’s and Piccadilly capitalized on these unique artforms they saw around the world - choosing to lock people into unequitable contracts while raking in the millions. Today the contemporary circus is changing to one that honors those that had made circus the one artform today that people think of when they think of superhuman strength, gravity-defying process and over the top exhibitions.
international Black indigenous Circus Week brings you directly in front of artists honoring the heritage of circus while bringing it into the future. Everyone has an opportunity to be in the front row at IBICW, enjoy the art and know that each dollar is going directly to these artists.
We’ve all heard the saying it takes a village, but with IBICW, we couldn't raise the big top without each and every one of you.