Circus Juventas to Receive $20,000 Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts

National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $30 million in grants as part of the NEA’s first major funding announcement for fiscal year 2017.  This includes an Art Works grant of $20,000 to Circus Juventas for the 2017 Summer Show, based on “Norse Mythological Tales.” The Art Works category focuses on the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and the strengthening of communities through the arts.

“The arts are for all of us, and by supporting organizations such as Circus Juventas, the National Endowment for the Arts provides more opportunities for the public to engage with the arts,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu.

Circus Juventas summer productions blend storytelling with the circus arts, incorporating the theatrical conventions of narrative, theme, dance, and character development. The 2017 theme, “Norse Mythological Tales,” will immerse 80 Circus Juventas-trained advanced performers in the culture, music, costuming, and traditions of medieval Scandinavia through association with world class professionals who will add an icy authenticity to the production. This exploration of Scandinavian folklore will bring 20,000 audience members into the wintry, magical world of trolls, snow queens, fairies, dwarves, and mythological gods.

Dan Butler, Circus Juventas ED, believes, “This could be our best show yet.  We are working from an original script that our creative team has already been working on for months.  The richness and diversity of the Norse legends and stories will complement the feats of our amazing youth performers.”