World Circus Federation

PRESS RELEASE
18 January 2008

World Circus Federation Announced in Monte-Carlo

A new international circus organization under the patronage of S.A.S. Princess Stephanie of Monaco was announced today. The Fédération Mondiale du Cirque brings together circus organisations around the world for the purpose of preserving and promoting circus arts and culture. The six Founding Members include the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo, the European Circus Association, the Outdoor Amusement Business Association based in the United States, the Circus Federation of Australia, the Animal Interest Alliance of South Africa and the Canadian organization En Piste.

The Federation will serve as the voice of the worldwide circus community and will represent its interests at relevant meetings of United Nations bodies and other international organizations. The headquarters of FMC will be in Monaco, and will be supported by Monte-Carlo Festivals.

Speaking to the media and more than 120 circus directors, artists and fans gathered for the occasion, Monte-Carlo Circus Festival President Urs Pilz noted that, in the early 1970s, S.A.S. Prince Rainier III already envisioned the need for the creation of a world -wide circus organization. Mr. Pilz said that the conditions for creating such an organization did not exist at that time. Increasing collaboration among circus directors over the past few years across Europe and on other continents now enables national and regional circus organisations to join forces for their mutual benefit.

The Federation will announce its initial projects and activities following receipt of permission from the Principality of Monaco and the completion of formalities. A world-wide competition is planned to create a logo for the new Federation. Speaking for the European Circus Association, which undertook the preparations for the creation of the Federation, Ms. Laura van der Meer stated “the European Circus Association is extraordinarily pleased that the vision of the worldwide circus community collaborating for the preservation and promotion of circus arts and culture, will soon will be realized.”


For further information, please contact:

LAURA VAN DER MEER +32.2.633.1503