International Black Indigenous Circus Week returns to Cannonball!

September 15-22, 2025, Lenapehoking (Philadelphia)

Do you identify as a Black or Indigenous circus artist? Are you looking for more community? Join us for Black Circus Week!
Applications for full length shows are open now through April 11 through the Cannonball Open Call.

Registration for IBICW, including applications for Cabaret slots, SMASH, workshops and panels will open in mid-April. Check back soon!


What will Black Circus Week entail?

  • Full-length shows from Black Circus Artists from around the country

  • Workshops

  • Panel discussions

  • SMASH! A paid opportunity for new artistic connections

  • Family Friendly and Late Night Cabarets

  • A Community-Only Salon and Open Mic

  • Jams, kikis, and much, much more!

This week will be co-hosted by the IBICW Governing Comittee. Interested in help to plan, organize, or fundraise for IBICW? Reach out to info@rebelartsmovement.com.

Black Circus Week is a chance for Black and Indigenous circus artists of any discipline and skill level to gather, share, learn and grow in community with like-minded artists. Co-created by Cannonball Festival, Rebel Arts Movement, Tauraro Artist Residency, and CSAW, the inaugural Black Circus Week took place September 6-11th 2024, in Philadelphia. 

Black Circus Week takes place during Cannonball Festival and the Philadelphia Fringe, where several new, full-length works by Black circus artists arepresented. Attending each other's is the core of Black Circus Week, supplemented by workshops, panel discussions, jams, kikis and cabaret performances. ICIBW is a first step in removing barriers to allow Black/Indigenous creatives to see each others' work, commiserate and begin new artistic collaborations. 

ICIBWis FREE to attend, and there are some additional paid performance and other artistic opportunities that you can apply for. We are currently actively fundraising to be able to assist with travel and housing costs.

ICIBW is planned and hosted by a Governing Committee of Black/Indigenous Circus Artists. Want to get involved? Email info@rebelartsmovement.org.


Last year’s schedule (as a sample):

Friday, September 6

1-5PM: Arrivals and meet and greet
5-10PM: Go see shows!

Saturday, September 7

12:30PM-10PM: Go see shows!
1-4PM: Skills Jam
6:30-10PM: "Into the Blackness" Open Mic/Community-only Artistic Salon and Showcase

Sunday, September 8

2:30-4:30PM: Family Friendly Cabaret + BBQ Party @ Liberty Lands (Sign up below!)
5-10PM: Go see shows!

Monday, September 9

10:30-12:30 -- Workshop #1 (interested in leading a workshop? Apply for one below!)
1-3PM: Jam/Open Training/SMASH Rehearsals
4-5PM: Panel #1 
6-8:30: Community Dinner

Tuesday, September 10

10:30-12:30PM: Jam/Open Training/SMASH Rehearsals
1-3PM: Workshop #2
6-7PM: Panel #2
9-10PM: After Hours Cabaret at Icebox Project Space

Wednesday, September 11

10:30-12:30 -- Workshop #1 (interested in leading a workshop? Apply for one below!)
1-3PM: Jam/Open Training/SMASH Rehearsals
3-5PM: SMASH Tech
7:30-8:30: SMASH Performance at CCNH
8:30-10:30: Final Toast and Party

Thursday, September 12

Departures, goodbyes, and see ya laters!