Press Releases

June 22, 2010

Circus Flora Announces Coveted NEA Grant Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Phyllis Weiss or
Laura McCarthy
Musen Steinbach Weiss
314-542-0400

(St. Louis/June 22, 2010) Circus Flora, St. Louis' own one-ring, European-style circus, announces it has received a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in the "Access to Artistic Excellence" category.

The "Access to Artistic Excellence" category recognizes Circus Flora as an organization that encourages and supports artistic creativity, preserves our diverse cultural heritage and makes the arts more widely available in its community. While the NEA may recognize projects and organizations for focusing or contributing to just one of these areas, it recognizes that many of the most effective projects encompass both artistic excellence and enhanced access. The NEA is particularly interested in projects that extend the arts to underserved populations - those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics or disability.

"In many ways this affirms all of the hard work and dedication put forth by our artistic and technical staff, board of directors and volunteers over the years, all of whom ensure Circus Flora's treasured presence in the St. Louis community," said Joel Emery, executive director of Circus Flora. "Recognition from the NEA of the important work that we do is a remarkable stamp of approval."

This is the first time in more than 10 years that Circus Flora has applied for an NEA grant, and the funds will go directly to the artistic fees for this year's production, Ingenioso.

Ticket sales and additional earned revenue account for approximately two thirds of Flora's annual operating budget, which is just under $1 million. Grants and generous donations from the community make up the remainder. A nonprofit arts organization, Circus Flora is able to fulfill its mission of keeping ticket prices affordable (starting at $8) and extending its outreach into the community with its Share the Circus program, where underserved families are given the opportunity to see the show free of charge, and its Community Circus Camps for underserved youth in surrounding neighborhoods, thereby keeping the magic of the one-ring circus accessible to all.

The NEA provides support to organizations for projects that do one or more of the following:

• Provide opportunities for artists to create, refine, perform, and exhibit their work;
• Present artistic works of all cultures and periods;
• Preserve significant works of art and cultural traditions;
• Enable arts organizations and artists to expand and diversify their audiences;
• Provide opportunities for individuals to experience and participate in a wide range of art forms and activities;
• Enhance the effectiveness of arts organizations and artists; and
• Employ the arts in strengthening communities.

About Circus Flora:

Mission Statement
Adopted by the Board of Directors, 2006
The Circus Arts Foundation of Missouri's mission is to broaden and deepen the appreciation of the performing arts in the greater St. Louis community by producing and presenting innovative performances and educational programs through the use of classic circus skills.

Founders' Vision Statement
Ivor David Balding, Sam & Sheila Jewell and Alexandre (Sasha) Pavlata
Circus Flora is a Theater Company, specializing in one-ring circus production, based on the focused energy of traditional circus arts, and showcasing the working partnership of humans and animals. It is our goal to create a truly American Classical Circus, with a narrative that engages audience members personally and emotionally. The world class company of Circus Flora becomes a family, preserving classical circus traditions, particularly of Europe, while incorporating innovative techniques and original new artists. We are dedicated to sponsoring young talent and fostering new acts through programs of education and outreach. Each production of Circus Flora presents not only a theme, but a story, serving as a framework in which our ensemble company can celebrate life - a life in which humans and animals are closely united in one physical and symbolic sawdust ring.

Ingenioso, Circus Flora's 24th season production, continues through June 27 under the air-conditioned, big top tent in Grand Center, adjacent to Powell Symphony Hall (corner of Grand Boulevard and Samuel Shepard Drive).

Visit www.circusflora.org for more information, tickets and ways to support St. Louis' own Circus.