BEYOND OUR BOUNDARIES | 超越界限

We’re excited to announce an upcoming opportunity for passionate and committed youth circus artists to take part in an International Exchange Program, facilitated by the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA).

Youth Circus International Exchange Program

This immersive program will run from October 2025 to September 2026 and is designed to foster global connections, artistic development, and cultural exchange with the Nanjing Acrobatic Troupe and the Shanghai Circus School. Participating students will engage in workshops and collaborative activities both on-campus at NICA (Melbourne, Australia) and overseas in China (Shanghai and Nanjing).

Program Highlights:

  • Intensive circus workshops at NICA led by members of the Shanghai Circus School during the Australian Circus Summit (6 - 10 October 2025).
  • Travel to China on a circus-based cultural exchange, training and learning from Chinese youth and trainers in July 2026.
  • Collaborative performance projects and cultural activities in September 2026.
  • Build lifelong friendships and networks with circus students abroad.

*events in 2026 are planned to align with school holiday breaks.

Commitment:

To ensure the success of the exchange, all participants will be required to:

  • Attend all scheduled workshops and activities in both Australia and overseas.
  • Actively participate in creative and ensemble work.
  • Uphold NICA’s values of professionalism, inclusivity, and cultural respect.
  • Commit to the full duration of the program.


We have invited expressions of interest from circus students aged 18–25 who are training at an intermediate to advanced level. Ideal candidates will have strong skills in a discipline suited to Chinese-style circus, show creativity and performance quality, and bring a positive attitude to training and teamwork. You should be in good physical condition and able to meet the demands of intensive training, ensemble performance, and international travel.

Deadline for submissions: ENDED

Shortlisted students may be invited to a follow-up interview

More Information Here

This project is supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, which has awarded Beyond Our Boundaries a 2024–2025 grant. Their support makes possible a reciprocal professional exchange between the National Institute of Circus Arts and the Nanjing Acrobatic Troupe, building on a legacy of collaboration since the 1980s, and continues to strengthen people-to-people links through cultural exchange.


FAQs

Have more questions? 

Reach out to Tegan Carmichael at tcarmichael@nica.collarts.edu.au with ‘Beyond Our Boundaries’ in the subject line.

This project is generously supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations. Flights, accommodation, meals, visas, workshops, and cultural activities are all covered. You’ll just need spending money and a valid passport.

Yes! You’ll need to attend workshops in Melbourne, travel to China in July 2026, and take part in the final project in September 2026.

You’ll travel with small group of youth circus artists and NICA chaperones (including a translator). 

It’s open to circus artists aged 18–25 training at an intermediate to advanced level. You should be confident in your discipline and ready for ensemble work.

NICA will work closely with you and organise all the visas.