National Centre for Circus Arts
National Centre for Circus Arts is a company.
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Leadership Team
Key people at National Centre for Circus Arts.
National Centre for Circus Arts is a company.
Key people at National Centre for Circus Arts.
The National Centre for Circus Arts (NCCA) is a registered charity and Europe's leading provider of circus education, offering a BA (Hons) in Circus Arts degree, professional training, youth programs, and recreational classes for thousands annually in a restored Victorian power station in London's Hoxton area.[1][2][3] It serves aspiring and professional circus artists, youth, adults, and businesses through intensive training in disciplines like acrobatics, aerials, juggling, and Cyr wheel, while fostering contemporary circus as an accessible artform; over half its income comes from grants and donations, with 93% of graduates employed in the industry three years post-graduation.[1][3][5]
Founded in 1989 as Circus Space by Jonathan Graham and volunteers in a former timber yard in North London, the organization began providing practice space, shows like "Satellites 1 and 2," and adult/youth programs.[3][4] It relocated to the derelict Shoreditch Electric Light Station in 1993, restoring it into a hub that kickstarted local regeneration, and evolved into a national center in 2014, gaining "National Centre for Circus Arts" status to boost UK circus culture.[1][3][4] Key figures include current CEO Dan Cowdrill, Director of Learning and Engagement Glen Stewart, and Head of Higher Education Delivery Adrian Porter.[2]
While not a tech entity, the NCCA rides the contemporary circus renaissance trend, blending traditional skills with modern artistry influenced by parkour, B-boying, and tricking to elevate UK circus from imported to homegrown.[3][4][8] Its timing aligns with cultural shifts toward inclusive, creative arts education amid urban regeneration (e.g., Shoreditch), supported by charity funding and partnerships like the University of Kent.[1][3] Market forces include rising demand for experiential arts in theater (National Theatre endorsements) and global circuses, influencing the ecosystem by launching 50,000+ trainees, changing perceptions, and exporting talent worldwide.[3][4][5]
The NCCA will likely expand its degree and professional programs, leveraging new courses like flying trapeze amid growing circus demand in UK/Europe.[1][7] Trends in hybrid arts (circus-theater fusion) and post-pandemic experiential events will shape it, potentially increasing grants for youth outreach and international collaborations.[2][8] Its influence may evolve into a global hub, sustaining high graduate success and UK circus leadership, building on its charity-driven model to nurture the next generation of performers.[3][5]
Key people at National Centre for Circus Arts.
