“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 was founded in 2018 as an initiative to equalize access to the circus arts by reducing financial barriers and opening pathways into existing networks for circus artists of color. Through our programs, CSAW supports diverse artists, helping the art form reflect a broader range of voices and stories.
CSAW is a registered 501(c)3 and all donations are tax-deductible.
Circus performance can build connections, tell stories, create social change, and envision new possibilities, allowing people from all over the world to connect through a shared language. Everyone deserves access to this, not just a privileged few.
Since 2020, CSAW (Connecting Circus Students Around the World) has been working to change the system—amplifying underrepresented voices, breaking down barriers, and putting real resources in the hands of BIPOC circus artists.
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
2026 Microgrants
$1,000 CSAW Microgrants
for US Circus Artists of Color
Applications are open from the 1st to the 15th of every month, now until December.
Sponsor a Microgrant!
CSAW is still seeking sponsors to help us guarantee this year’s grant programs. Email info@csawcircus.org to become a sponsor today!
Photo featuring previous CSAW Microgrant Awardee
Catherine Doveland.
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!