'It is important to me that these artforms are celebrated and receive the recognition they deserve...' Lucy Medlycott, Director of the Irish Street Arts, Circus and Spectacle Network (ISCAS), introduces their new strategic plan and celebrates these beloved artforms...
The growth of the artforms of street, circus and spectacle has been expedited over recent years, due in no small part to the pandemic highlighting the enormous potential and importance of arts in public spaces.
Of course, the public space has always been there, and many artists within the street, spectacle and circus world have championed and built a vast understanding of working in this most democratic of environments. Now is their moment.
We at the ISACS (Irish Street Arts, Circus and Spectacle) Network, which was formed in 2010, have just launched our third strategic plan, outlining our goals and vision for the future of these vital Irish artforms.
The Network serves as a leading example of an artist-first members' network, resolutely lead by their artistic members, their needs, desires and ambitions.
Many of ISACS members have worked in this sphere for 30 to 40 years in the case of street and spectacle, or in the case of circus for over 200 years. In short, these artforms and this space are not new concepts - there is much experience existing to learn from and there is so much to celebrate.
As a passionate Director of this network, it is important to me that these artforms are celebrated and receive the recognition they deserve. We strive for important policy and practical changes and encourage a genuinely inclusive community which connects and cares for each other.
For the sector to grow, there are some obvious roadblocks that require some major changes to policy and infrastructure in Ireland. They include adequate resourcing, infrastructural investment in space and education, insurance reform and more.
The ISACS membership has grown year on year, reaching an all time high in 2021 of over 200 members - a growth of 40% on the previous year. We intend to not just grow in number, but to grow in strength, leadership and professional support through a series of enhanced programmes in the form of residencies, international activities, resources, mentorship and more.
We also particularly want to increase opportunities for those currently underrepresented in our art forms and develop new avenues for young people to get involved.
Find out more about ISACS here, and download the ISACS Strategic Plan 2022 – 2025 here.
