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European Circuses Support Performing Animals
Posted January 31, 2009
Note: Thought we'd share some interesting news from the European circus community. Posted as
received.
From Rodney Huey, North American Press Rep, Federation Mondiale du Cirque:
"The Federation Mondiale du Cirque and the European Circus Association
met in Monte Carlo last week where the ECA announced plans to launch a
pro-active campaign in support of performing animals in circuses. EU
Commissioner Jan Figel addressed a joint meeting of the two groups,
praising the "classical circus" (i.e., with animals) as a cultural
treasure while inviting European Circus Day, slated for April, 2009,
to be a part of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009."
European Commissioner Addresses Circuses in Monte-Carlo
Mr. Ján Figel', Member of the European Commission responsible for
Education, Training, Culture and Youth, addressed the circus community
at the European Circus Association's annual symposium in conjunction
with the 33rd Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo on
Friday, 16 January. Recognizing the circus as an art form that is
both historical and inspirational, Mr. Figel' invited the circus
community to join in the European Year of Creativity and Innovation
2009. He welcomed linking the Year to the annual European Circus Day
to be held 19 April 2009.
"The circus community has shown an amazing capacity to imagine, create
and innovate," Mr. Figel' said while complimenting circus owners,
producers and performers by noting that "in the past few decades, you
have managed to bring totally new concepts to the tradition with an
astonishing mix of acrobats, clowns and animals performing in a ring.
While classical circus has never lost its magic, contemporary circus –
or cirque nouveau, as it is sometimes called – has expanded its
expressive means."
H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco welcomed Mr. Figel' to
Monte-Carlo, alongside Mr. Urs Pilz, Artistic Director of the Festival
and president of both the European Circus Association and the
Fédération Mondiale du Cirque, and Dr. Alain Frère, responsible for
culture in the Nice-Côte d'Azur area. The Symposium opened with a
short film created by the French television producer Telmondis
entitled "Circus: Culture for the Millions" that captured the essence
of this popular art form.
Mr. Figel''s address to Symposium participants was among the
activities undertaken by the Commission to help launch the European
Year of Innovation and Creativity 2009. Noting the slogan of the
Year as Imagine. Create. Innovate., Mr. Figel' stated, "The
worldwide circus community has earned the right to stand before us as
a paragon of creativity and innovation." At the conclusion of the
day, Mr. Figel' attended one of the Festival's competition shows,
seated with H.S.H. Princess Stephanie.
Symposium members also heard from a representative of Mrs. Doris Pack,
Member of the European Parliament, about her plans to follow up on the
Parliament's October 2005 resolution on circuses. The Resolution
urged specific actions by the European Commission and Member States to
remove obstacles confronting the circus relating to work permits and
visas and technical requirements while recognizing the need to further
recognize the "classical circus, including the presentation of
animals," as part of European culture.
Mrs. Katja Vatter, speaking on behalf of Mrs. Pack, informed the
circus community that it was time to analyze which of the actions
requested by the Parliament had been completed and to identify
additional steps that might be taken to resolve outstanding issues and
to address new challenges that have arisen since the adoption of the
Resolution in 2005.
For more information about the Federation, please circusfederation.org.
Federation contacts:
Rodney Huey, North American Press Representative
press2@circusfederation.org
703.627.1080 (USA)
Laura van der Meer, Federation Executive Director
laura@circusfederation.org
+32.2.633.1503
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