“I’m so happy, I’m over the moon. I’ve accomplished almost every single goal that I set out to accomplish. I feel really, really, really super grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given through CSAW. The impact of (the grants) go leaps and bounds. I’m living proof of that."
Maya Anuligo, Microgrant Awardee
CSAW is committed to building an anti-racist world by genuinely supporting performing and circus artists of color. Through grants, community building, and career development, we create opportunities, strengthen networks, and invest directly in artists who have historically faced barriers to support and advancement.
CSAW (Connecting Circus Students Around the World) supports diverse circus & performing artists by providing access to education, community connections, performance opportunities, and financial resources.We work to break down systemic barriers and empower marginalized voices to cultivate a circus community grounded in inclusion, justice, and equal opportunity.
CSAW is a registered 501(c)3 and all donations are tax-deductible.
Advancing Racial Justice Through Circus Arts
We believe meaningful change happens when we put resources behind our values. By supporting artists of color and creating a more equitable performing arts community, we are helping build a more just and inclusive world where diverse artists have the platform, voice, creativity and opportunities all deserve.
To date, we’ve awarded over $100,000 in direct support to 70+ BIPOC circus artists, funded four new full-length productions by BIPOC groups, supported the founding of International Black and Indigenous Circus Week, and been an advocate in the circus space for equity and diversity.
Thank you to everyone who has made our work possible in the past, we are only able to continue doing our work with support from you.
Our Work
Access
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.
Resources
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.
Opportunity
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.
Community
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.
HELP CSAW CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BIPOC CIRCUS ARTISTS IN 2026
Meet our 2026 Grant Awardees
Alexandra Holland
February 2026
Microgrant Awardee
Landyn Endo
March 2026
Microgrant Awardee
Zbu Moore
April 2026
Microgrant Awardee
Mariah Hanes
May 2026
Microgrant Awardee
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Brittany Greene
June 2026
Microgrant Awardee
Tim Walker
2026
CSAWxCannonball Awardee For New Work by BIPOC artist
CSAW Community in Action
The #CSAWCircusTechniqueSeries is an online program that provides a virtual class a month to circus artists of all levels and backgrounds. Each month we feature a different teachers that provide a series of classes, from flexibility to handstand prep!
Get access for as little as $5/month!