This award aims to support young people, based in Northern Ireland, aged 16-30 who want to develop their Circus Arts/Street Theatre performance and/or related circus practice. Additional Support will be provided to those who have disabilities.
This award reflects Mike Moloney’s passion for Circus and Street Theatre and his work with young people.
In 2013 everyone said goodbye to Mike, one of the two founders of Belfast Community Circus School, now known as Circusful, an inspiration to many and a true advocate for circus.
For almost 30 years, Mike supported artists to develop, established and developed the first circus family in Northern Ireland. We have held onto Mike’s understanding of the power of circus, his sense of fun and imagination in our new mission, brand and values.
Mike’s understanding of the power of circus was clear from an early age. He combined this with his experience of being a theatre/street performer and teacher and supported BCCS to achieve international recognition as a ‘frontier circus.’
Outside of circus, Mike was the first Executive Director of the Prison Arts Foundation (PAF) in Northern Ireland
How much is the award?
Individual awards range from £500 to £5,000 – Micro Awards and Larger Awards
Depending on the quality of applications received, the decision-making panel may choose to make a number of small awards or one larger award.
Deadline for applying is 13th January 2025 at 5pm. If you have any questions or issues please contact awards@circusful.org
This award is funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and supported by In Your Space Circus, Tumble Circus and Streetwise Community Circus.