Since our festival in June, we've heard from artists, volunteers, audiences and staff. We listened to you, we've made changes and we want your help to grow a home for circus in the states. Together our work establishes circus as part of the contemporary arts community both here in Chicago and in the US. 

Member of the movement
Give today and become a member of the movement. Stay informed through this year and 2016 as we share the latest news, programming and developments.  Get an insider's view of the process along with making your support known.  When you give today you'll receive quarterly updates, invitations to special events, great swag and the opportunity to buy your tickets early and at a discount.
In 2014 & 2015, Donors helped CCCF with: 

Some Festival Costs:

Artist Fees: $80,000 - It's not a festival without the talent. Our artists graciously discount their fees to help us make the festival possible. Even at dramatically discounted rates bringing great talent from all over the world to Chicago is our top priority and most expensive cost.

Venue Rentals: $20,000 - This pays for 3-4 performance and rehearsal spaces throughout the week and gives us time to set-up, tech, rehearse and perform. A week is a very small window of time given the scope of the festival. Schedules are tight but each year we pull it off through long days and a committed volunteer staff. 

Technicians: $15,000 - Our first year our entire backstage staff was volunteer only. In 2015 we paid half our technicians below market rate and the other half were still volunteer.

Equipment Rentals: $8,000 - Covers the cost all things that make a show a show and keep our performers safe: Truss, rigging, lighting, projection and much, much more.