Circus, Cities and Connected Communities: Can circus change a city?

For ten Saturdays over summer, the Circus in the Centre initiative saw the Garden Place lawn in Kirikiriroa filled with kids and whānau taking part in circus activities, including juggling, hula hooping, spinning plates, bubbles and diabolo. 

Led and supported by local circus professionals from around Waikato, these sessions were offered free-of-charge, in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Thanks to the people who participated in our survey and colouring-in & kōrero, we can share some beautiful reflections on the programme. 

Circus in the Centre contributed to bringing people into the Centre of the City, with 83% of surveyed participants sharing that they came into the town centre specifically for the event. People most often commented about the value of connecting and learning: 

‘Thanks for the free events for people with families 🙂 They are great to get us trying new things and meeting people different to ourselves’

Whānau spoke often about how the activities created a sense of positivity in Garden Place, sharing that it “created a lovely and friendly vibe in the CBD, and ‘it’s great to get people mixing and mingling in a positive way in this part of town’. This positivity was noted by surveyed participants, and 97% of them shared that Circus in the Centre gave the CBD a good vibe.  

Circus expert and facilitator Evelyn Coulson from Black Sheep Circus Entertainment shares about the success of the space for openness and play: 

‘My highlight from facilitating Circus in the Centre was seeing the often quiet space of Garden Place full of families, laughter and play. I really believe in the power of circus to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone because there’s always a prop or activity that someone enjoys or finds themselves more naturally drawn to. So seeing even the most resistant or unsure children (and adults!) give a few things a try and then land on a prop that resonated with them was an absolute joy to see. To see the process of focus and learning in action, the joy of play and seeing people outside, moving and enjoying the sunshine had me buzzing the entire summer!’

The programme created an opportunity for whānau to combine movement and creativity, with 80% of surveyed participants agreeing that ‘participating in these activities got me moving and helped me get my exercise in’. In addition, whānau shared that they appreciated having a place to bring their tamariki, where they could also relax. 

Matthew Cooper, Chief Executive of Sport Waikato, shared about the value of this mahi: 

‘Sport Waikato was proud to support the Creative Waikato led Circus in the Centre, an initiative that brought movement, creativity, and connection into the heart of Hamilton City. Through our commitment to community well-being, we recognise the power of physical activity—not just in sport, but in all forms of movement that inspire joy and participation. Partnering with Creative Waikato allows us to champion accessible opportunities for people of all ages to get active, try something new, and experience the social benefits of play. It’s initiatives like this that align with our vision – “Everyone out there and Active” in the Waikato region.’

Investing in creative activation has many positive impacts. Research shows that creative events can contribute to social cohesion, community care, and connectivity. Research around Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design shows that the likelihood of crime can be reduced through activating places and spaces with creative events and design features such as public art and art in infrastructure. Additionally, creativity can work to draw people into city spaces, where they visit businesses, and vibrancy attracts businesses and office workers into the city centre. Vanessa Williams, General Manager of Love the Centre, highlights the flow-on effects of such events: 

‘Bringing community events into the city centre, creates an inclusive and welcoming space for all, bringing vibrancy, inclusivity and connection across a vast array of groups and people. From cultural festivals to live performances, installations to activations, community events bring a richness to the central city, making spaces for people, with flow on benefits being felt culturally, socially and economically.’

Circus in the Centre served to attract people into the city centre of Kirikiriroa. 71% of the people who came do not usually come into the CBD in the weekend. And this change can ripple out, as a participant highlights:

‘We just stumbled on it at first, and then we came to 3-4 events put on by Love the Centre. It’s so good to have a place to bring the kids’

Circus in the Centre is one example of what happens when creatives are supported to make good things happen. Waikato’s creatives contribute to and shape the culture and appeal of public spaces, and help to make our neighbourhoods and hometowns more vibrant places to live, work and play. 

Public creative events bring our towns and cities to life year-round, all around our mighty region. From festivals to walking tours, workshops, shows, roaming acts, live music and more, our creatives across Waikato are the biggest supporters of creative community events in the region, and share their skills, time, and experience generously. 

If you are a local enabler of activity and would like to understand how to better support creative events like this in your area, feel free to reach out to the Creative Waikato team for a chat: hello@creativewaikato.co.nz

If you are hosting a creative event or looking for creative things to do in the Waikato region, then check out our website, Things to do.

Like all events for the community, Circus in the Centre required a team of people to imagine, plan, deliver, promote and support the programme. 

The Creative Waikato team supported with strategic advice and logistical and research support.
Creative Waikato would like to thank:

Love the Centre 
Sport Waikato
Black Sheep Circus Entertainment

Our circus teachers who shared their knowledge and passion: 

• Evelyn Coulson
• Nic Davies
• Irene Goed
• Damian Gordon
• Martina Veracini
• Ana Lorite
• Sergio Aguilar
• Jair Ramirez

And a special thanks to Stephen Bright aka ‘Bubbles’ the clown who brought so many smiles to children’s faces with his bubble making expertise!

Thank you to everyone who enabled, participated in, and shared about these sessions. 

Mauri ora.