BIAC and the ENTRE2 BIAC

For one month, the BIAC offers a vision of the breadth and variety of contemporary circus creation with more than 70 shows and nearly 300 performances that attract both local residents and people from across France and around the world. Along with the performances at traditional venues, circus tents are erected throughout the region to host shows and there is a main Tent Village on the Prado Beach in Marseille that serves as the beating heart of the festival.

As part of the BIAC, Archaos also welcomes hundreds of French and international circus and performing arts professionals to its Professional Form, a series of meetings, performances, and events that address the biggest issues in the contemporary circus and offer cultural programmers a sneak peek at the season’s newest creations.

To maintain the connection with audiences and sustain a strong circus presence every year, in 2016, Archaos created the Entre2 BIAC. Although this festival is also a month long and also takes place between January and February, it is smaller in scale than the main Biennale and takes place only in the Aix-Marseille metro area. The BIAC is held in odd-numbered years, while the Entre2 BIAC is held in even-numbered years.

In 2019, the BIAC welcomed more than 114 400 spectators for its third edition. Due to the pandemic crisis, the fourth edition held in 2021 had to be adapted but it was still able to present 28 shows, including 21 premieres, to professionals from the performing arts sector. In 2023, BIAC welcomed back the general public and attracted more than 107 000 spectators.

As major international events, the BIAC and Entre2 BIAC contribute to the region’s cultural influence and global artistic reputation.