Circus Connections is an exciting, brand new youth-led project which will focus on some traditionally "hard-to-reach" communities in Waterford city and county.

In the first phase of this project, we will be working with the young people on the IRPP programme (mostly Syrian, some Afghani refugee community), who are living in the accommodation centre in Clonea Strand, Dungarvan, as well as young people who have been resettled recently in Waterford City (supported by Respond). During this initial stage, Lead Artist Fadi Zmorrod, who has a huge wealth of experience in this area, will use contemporary and social circus as a tool to engage the groups, build trust, and create a safe space for meaningful collaboration and creative exploration. This period will also be crucial for empowering the young people to continue to make their own decisions about what they want from the workshops.

In the 2nd phase of the project, 5 participants from each community will come together in Garter Lane for a further 6 sessions, joining with another 5 members of the local community of Waterford City, who will apply via an open call publicised primarily by Garter Lane Theatre. The open places for the local community will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.