‘Wires Crossed’, an innovative Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture project illustrating the importance of head and heart balance, continues to be delivered by Galway Community Circus. While the Covid pandemic has brought significant challenges, the project has reached hundreds of community participants in 13 countries to date. Wires Crossed is being delivered by a network of 15 European youth and social circus schools, led by Galway Community Circus and Ecole De Cirque De Bruxelles. The project promotes physical and mental wellbeing, safe risk-taking and social inclusion through funambulism – tightwire walking using a balancing pole.
Funambulism is at once a spectacular circus art yet surprisingly accessible to people of all ages and abilities. It is also a powerful mindfulness tool that promotes mental and physical wellbeing. Walking on a wire conveys a sense of ease and simplicity, yet it requires focus, self-belief and courage.
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Wires Crossed. Photo by Emilija Jefremova
Since 2017 the Wires Crossed project has delivered professional development for 92 artists through European funded Erasmus+ and Creative Europe programmes, employed 45 people and provided community workshops in Galway and partner countries. The highlight event was due to take place in August 2020 with a cast of 400 community participants from all corners of Europe crossing the River Corrib and Claddagh Basin on highwires over an epic 33 hour long public spectacle. Galway Community Circus are now planning to stage an adapted version of the performance in summer 2022 in a public display of hope, solidarity, and strength.
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Crossing the Claddagh - Photo Áine Kilgallon
A legacy from the Wires Crossed project is the Irish Centre of Funambulism in Shantalla Park where members of the public can take part in workshops and learn how to walk on the tightrope themselves. Galway Community Circus will run free outdoor funambulism workshops April 26 –May 2 for young people aged 10-17 years supported by Galway 2020.
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Wires Crossed workshops - Photo by Liam Carroll
'Step Off', a short film produced by Galway Community Circus with Morgan Creative, will premiere on July 9-10 as part of a two-day digital conference about funambulism and the Wires Crossed project. This film was created and performed by young Galway Community Circus members and reflects the journey from overcoming personal struggle to finding inner strength and balance.
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Tight wire artist Tony Mahon featuring in 'Step Off' by Morgan Creative. Photo by Emilija Jefremova
Galway Community Circus is Ireland’s flagship for youth and social circus funded by the Arts Council and Galway City Council. Currently located in St Joseph’s Community Centre and Shantalla Park, Galway Community Circus' long-term aim is to move to a secure venue with improved facilities for both outdoor and indoor training.
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Wires Crossed - Photo by Liam Carroll
For more information visit Galway Community Circus' website.
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