The Second European Circus History Conference will take place in Denmark at the Copenhagen Circus Museum from Thursday 15th to Saturday 17th April 2027, coinciding with World Circus Day. Organizers: Kornélia Deres (Hungary), Lina B. Frank (Sweden), Charlie Holland (UK), Mikkel Knudsen (Denmark), Harm van der Laan (The Netherlands), Pauliina Räsänen (Finland).

We invite proposals exploring the theme ‘How has circus related to change?’. Contributions may examine the ways in which the circus has initiated change, responded to it, or resisted it. The focus is on change relating to Europe from the 18th to the 21st century, though the change(s) can also be inwards or outwards of the continent. We are interested in any aspect of change, including but not limited to political, cultural, social, geographic, technological, legislative, aesthetic and familial transformations.

Examples of relevant areas include:
1) Social, cultural and political change: War, conflict, and displacement; Gender roles, especially women’s labor and visibility; changing notions of body, skill, and risk; Personal change across circus performers’ lives; The role and regulation of animal acts in the circus; Changes affecting the operation of circus companies.

2) Mobility, labour regulation, and access to artists: Public opinion, advocacy and legislation; Health, safety and licensing requirements; Transport developments; Competing live and recorded entertainment; The cultural and artistic status of circus; Performance techniques, styles and aesthetic practices.

3) Musical and choreographic developments and their influence on circus acts: Technological innovation in circus performance and staging; Political and activist uses of circus performance; Costume design, fashion, and material culture; Gymnastic and fitness movements and their effects on performance practice and reception.

We welcome proposals for:
- Twenty- or six-minute papers. Shorter presentations may focus on a single performer or innovation, while longer whilst longer papers should adopt a broader analytical approach.
- Panel sessions of approximately 40 minutes, involving three or four participants. Proposals should include both the panel topic and the names of participants.
- Performance presentations which may be accommodated in the Fægtesalen (fencing hall), subject to technical feasibility. Please enquire for further details.

Submissions should include:
- an abstract of up to 300 words
- a short biography of up to 200 words

Please send proposals to infocircusconference.org by September 30, 2026.

We aim to respond to all submissions within one month, with final decisions made shortly after the deadline.

All presentations are expected to be delivered in person.

For further information, please visit: https://circusconference.org/2026/03/29/call-for-papers-for-the-2nd-european-circus-history-conference/