Circus and new technologies: United Cultures Forum to discuss the future of one of the most spectacular art forms

The transformation of circus in an age of technological progress, the preservation of the traditions of national circus schools, and the expansion of international professional cooperation will be among the key themes of the “Circus” track at the 12th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum.

The transformation of circus in an age of technological progress, the preservation of the traditions of national circus schools, and the expansion of international professional cooperation will be among the key themes of the “Circus” track at the 12th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum.

In 2026, the Forum will be organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, and the Administration of St. Petersburg.

Edgard Zapashny, Director General of the Great Moscow Circus, People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, and a member of the Council for Culture and Art under the President of the Russian Federation will be the curator of the “Circus” track.

The business programme includes two themed sessions: “Preserving Traditions: Do Modern Technologies on the Arena Strengthen or Weaken the ‘Language’ of the Circus?” and “The Circus as a Bridge Between Cultures: How Shared Emotions Overcome Language Barriers.” The discussions will bring together heads of circus organizations, performers, directors, representatives of relevant organizations and the professional community, as well as international experts. They will examine the impact of modern technologies on the development of circus, discuss the balance between innovation and the preservation of artistic traditions, and consider the role of circus as an instrument of cultural dialogue and a means of bringing people together regardless of nationality or language.

“Today, circus is experiencing a period of rapid development, with new technologies, artistic approaches, and formats for engaging with audiences emerging all the time. At the same time, professional mastery, the continuity of traditions, and creative exchange between the circus schools of different countries remain constants. The United Cultures Forum will serve as a platform for open professional dialogue about what the circus of the future will look like,” noted Edgard Zapashny.

The 12th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum will be held on 24–26 September 2026. The Forum’s central theme is “United Cultures, Common Values.”

Registration for media representatives is available via the link.

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