About The Project

Circus arts are an efficient, innovative and proven approach to deal with young people living in a society torn by years of war and conflict. arcenciel has encouraged intercultural dialogue between Arab youth in Lebanon by establishing the first school for circus in the Middle East. In 2002, arcenciel founded the circus troop cirqu’enciel in order to share their passion and experience with others. To date, more than 1500 shows have been performed for an Arab and international audience. Additionally, this project provides opportunities for replication in other countries through the creation of clusters all around the region encouraging the participation of local artists.

Eager to share their experience with others, the youth of cirqu’enciel train students and future circus teachers and perform for disadvantaged populations, all around Lebanon. The circus is a full-time passion for the staff, from developing curricula, to implementing social, educational and psycho-social support projects. They say that the only action they have taken for the past 12 years is waking up and doing what they do best, juggle life!