A paid internship program for unconventional, innovative & recently graduated circus professionals. Starting in the fall of 2026, this initiative will be part of De Startkade (the Starting Quay), a broader commitment to young creators that we are able to roll out with the support of the City of Antwerp.
Ell Circo D’ell Fuego (ECDF) is a circushaven for performers of all kinds. A vibrant environment where they can come drop anchor (again and again). To learn, to create, to connect with one another. So that they can bring out the best in themselves every time they visit.
In the fall of 2026, we are launching a new edition of our START-UP LABO, a paid internship program designed to support young, recently graduated circus professionals as they take the leap—or somersault—toward a professional career.
Why this START-UP LAB?
Circus performers who have recently graduated usually find themselves having to answer many questions. What now? Do I apply for artist status? Should I set up a non-profit organization? Maybe it’s better to start out self-employed? Or as an employee? How will I work out and fund my first projects administratively? Where can I continue my training? What if I still need some extra time to shape my project? And what about insurance?
Ell Circo D’ell Fuego’s START-UP LAB offers young creators time and space to search for answers. Afterwards, they are ready to throw themselves into the professional field.
With this LABO, we aim to support recently graduated circus artists who wish to settle in our region. We do this with both business and artistic tools they can use to start and develop a healthy and focused professional career. They also step into an artistic study with a coach from Ell Circo D’ell Fuego’s network. He will guide them through the process of developing a final product.
On our START-UP LAB program
We review the creator’s administrative and statutory situation and point the way to appropriate information channels.
We offer tips & tricks on creating and structuring creation and grant files.
We look at what communication tools and channels the creator can use to raise their profile for the purpose of bookings and broadening their professional network.
We support the creator in the development of a three-year business and artistic plan. Where is your dream and how do you get there?
We broaden the creator’s artistic experience by establishing a collaboration with an artist from our network.
We offer training and creative spaces where creators can develop their projects.
We connect creators with Antwerp’s circus and cultural scene through public performances, exchanges with young people in our community, and connections with other professionals in the field. This allows you to expand your professional reach and establish a home base in the city.
What to expect from our START-UP LAB
We offer a recently graduated circus artist or company a paid internship program consisting of three modules. As you go through these modules, you will be employed – for 8 weeks – part-time by Ell Circo D’ell Fuego* and given full-time space to create.
* 19h/week with a salary according to the prevailing scales in PC 304 Performing Arts, pay category B.
Within our START-UP LABO, we provide young creators with the space they need to develop into successful artists. We do so by focusing on cultural entrepreneurship and a sustainable, future-oriented and safe working environment. As a STARTER, you’ll get a VIP spot in our Circushaven, which is all about inspiring yourself and others. In practical terms, this means opportunities to connect with established artists who regularly visit our training hall, as well as with young people in our community who are also starting to dream of a professional circus career. After all, as a STARTER, you serve as a role model for them—someone who’s just a step ahead of where they are.
At the same time, we ask every STARTER to commit to Antwerp’s circus and cultural scene, in a way that aligns with your career path and ambitions. More than just advancing individual careers, we consciously connect them to the city’s broader cultural fabric.
Kick-off
We will contact the selected STARTERS in the course of August. This is followed by a kick-off meeting in which we thoroughly go over the candidates’ needs and expectations. And we explore how you as a STARTER can contribute to the creative breeding ground we cultivate within our operation. Aimed at young people who are ready to take their artistic skills to the next level and/or who dream of becoming professional artists themselves one day.
When: During the first week of September. Day and time to be announced.
Module 1: Training & Coaching
This fall, we’ll be launching a variety of topics (business, communication, physical fitness, etc.) that are essential for a successful career. Based on your needs, ECDF staff will provide customized coaching. Meanwhile, ECDF’s training room is completely at your disposal. You will also meet the artistic coach who will guide you in the 2nd module.
Duration: 3 weeks; start date: mid-October 2026.
Module 2: Artistic research
During the second module in the spring of 2027, the focus will be on artistic research. From Ell Circo D’ell Fuego’s extensive network, you will choose an artistic coach who will provide you with the necessary guidance during this exploration. We’ll also take a close look at how things are going in terms of business, art, and communication. Together, we’ll assess where you stand and what still needs to be done before you can get started. As part of this second module, we’ll also provide a separate space where you can shape your artistic process.
In this final module, the focus is on creation. It’s up to you to decide which aspects you want to focus on here. Will you opt for a more technical residency to fine-tune the lighting and sound, or do you feel the need to continue working on the dramaturgy? The goal is for you to work toward something that will allow you to truly conclude your project during a performance.
Duration: 3 weeks; target period: summer 2027.
Practical information
For whom?
For circus artists or compagnies who wish to establish themselves as “creators” in the Antwerp/Flanders region and have recently graduated from a higher education program in circus arts at a college, university, academy, or conservatory. We limit ourselves to this target group because the administrative support we offer is tailored to local regulations.
When?
Kick-off: 1 meeting in the first week of September—to align needs and expectations—at the ECDF offices in SPRK.
Module 1: 3 weeks in the fall (starting in mid-October) – training and coaching on business, communication, and physical themes – in the ECDF training room at SPRK
Module 2: 2 weeks in the spring (March/April) – research with an artistic coach + follow-up on business-related topics – at Schouwburg De Klap in Deurne
Module 3: 3 weeks in an external creative space; time and location to be discussed – creation
Submit your proposal!
Would you like to join our START-UP LABO? Send us a clear proposal explaining your artistic or creative project. Please also state your needs and expectations and the themes you would like to explore during your internship (1 A4 page).
We make our selection based on originality (personal approaches), innovation (enthusiasm for pushing established boundaries), relevance to the contemporary circus sector, and a clear commitment to Antwerp’s circus and cultural landscape. You can email your proposal to info@ecdf.be.
Would you like to join our START-UP LAB?
Great! Be sure to let us hear from you. Do you know a suitable candidate? Then forward this page today!
Applications may be submitted from June 5 through August 1, 2026.
The START-UP LABO is at the heart of “De Startkade” (The Starting Quay) a multi-year program designed to support the development of young circus artists—from their initial artistic exploration to professional practice.
Together, the City of Antwerp and Ell Circo D’ell Fuego are building a sustainable foundation for emerging circus artists while further establishing Antwerp as an innovative hub for the circus arts.
In collaboration with De Klap, Het Gravenhof, Het Oude Badhuis, and MAD Festival/Arenberg.
