BIAC - International Biennale of the Circus Arts

In 2019, BIAC welcomed more than 114 500 spectators for its 3rd edition.

The 4th edition of BIAC took place in 2021. Because of restrictions related to the Covid crisis, and in consultation with the festival’s cultural, institutional, and sponsorship partners, it was decided to adapt the format. With audiences limited or prohibited in January and February 2021, the BIAC presented a reduced program of 29 shows, including 21 premieres, to nearly a thousand professionals from the performing arts sector (programmers, journalists, etc.). The goal was to secure bookings for the shows so that even if audiences couldn’t attend live performances during the pandemic, they would be able to see the shows on tour once restrictions were eased in France and internationally.

In collaboration with the festival’s 55 cultural partners, it was also decided to postpone any shows that could not be presented at the 2021 edition of the BIAC to the Entre2 BIAC 2022 or to other dates the following season. As a result, the Entre2 BIAC 2022 was a year of reunions with audiences due to the numerous performances of shows that could not be maintained as part of the BIAC 2021 program. Of the 44 shows scheduled at the Entre2 BIAC, 22 were the result of postponements. The event was a true collective success and fulfilled its objective of maintaining support for artists and companies!

As a major international event, BIAC contributes to the Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region’s global cultural influence and overall appeal. For one month, the festival offers a vision of the breadth and variety of contemporary circus creation, with more than 300 performances of 60 different shows that are attended by locals and visitors alike. Along with circus performances held in traditional cultural venues, circus tents are erected throughout the region, while a unique Tent Village is mounted on the beaches of Marseille. The BIAC also welcomes several hundred international professionals to its Professional Forum.