We were delighted to attend the launch of the new In Your Space Circus home in Derry on June 9th.

In Your Space Circus has been awarded £140,000 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to transform the Old Cathedral School. The Victorian-era building is to be leased by the neighbouring St Columb’s Cathedral, and IYSC intends to develop it into a circus arts venue.

Speaking at what was a very emotional, warm and caring launch, the Very Reverend Raymond Stewart of St Columbs Cathedral was thrilled to welcome the In Your Space team into the building, observing with pleasure that:

Soon this building will be filled with the laughter of children and all their dreams.’

 

Cath McBride, Director of IYSC, said:

We have been searching for a suitable home for the past 10 years, which has been challenging due to the unique requirements of  circus. We feel privileged to have become the custodians of one of Derry’s most stunning heritage assets. We could not be more delighted with this opportunity.

Our Director Lucy echoes Cath McBride and says:

As an all-island organisation, The Irish Street Art, Circus and Spectacle Network was extremely pleased to attend the launch of this new fantastic adventure. We couldn’t be more thrilled.

The work done by the Youth Circus schools across the island is immensely valuable. They promote inclusivity and social change by fostering the personal and social development of their participants. We have just completed a wonderful project, Circus Explored, where we forged links between youth circus organisations – including In Your Space Circus – from all corners of the island of Ireland as part of the Shared Island Initiative and brought young people from youth circus organisations on both sides of the border together at key events in the Youth Circus calendar in Ireland. The young participants had the opportunity to meet their peers, learn new Circus tricks together and perform. They also learned ways to become future Youth Circus leaders with professional skill development education, so they can continue to pass on their incredible circus skills to the next generation of circus artists.

With In Your Space Circus ambitious new project, the future is looking bright for Derry and for the whole island, and we are overjoyed.