CSAW offers a variety of grants to reduce the financial barriers that many artists of color face who want to pursue their passion in circus. 

​

Microgrants - $1000 monthly grants to BIPOC circus artists for any immediate circus related need.

​Cannonball Grant - $5000 to a BIPOC artist group or collective to fund new full-length works, performed at the Cannonball Fringe Festival in Philadelphia.

​Tuition Grant - Two $5000 grants that go towards supporting a pre-professional circus artist of color pay for circus school. On pause until more funding can be acquired.

CSAW provides access to information for students interested in pursuing their circus education in the US and around the world  by providing a one-stop-shop resource for circus school applications and deadlines. ​

​

We also run an Ambassador program from which past students can pass along helpful information such as a schools anti-racism policies, specialty training programs, and experiences with teachers and faculty. 

CSAW works to create and share opportunities with circus artists of color in the form of paid jobs, performance opportunities, BIPOC specific festivals and or other artistic grants. 

​

We partner with artists and festivals to create spaces that are inclusive, foster new works by BIPOC artists, and create community for circus artists of color. 

​

We supported the founding of International Black and Indigenous Circus Week with the Cannonball Festival and continue a grant to fund new works at this festival.

In 2026, CSAW will work on programs that foster community building  for BIPOC artists within the circus world. 

​

Isolation, lack of representation and systemic barriers can deter circus artists of color from pursuing their dreams or being aware of the opportunities available. 

​

Through community gatherings (virtual and in person), job boards, chat groups, and grantee community groups - we can help bridge the gaps of information and disconnection and support each other.