National Centre for Circus Arts

• President of the Aileen Getty Foundation and film and theatre director Stephen Daldry become the National Centre for Circus Arts’ first honorary patrons
• IMAGES of the National Centre for Circus Arts: http://bit.ly/1iGGHa0
• INTERVIEWS: contact circusarts@kallaway.com

The National Centre for Circus Arts has announced Aileen Getty and Stephen Daldry as its first honorary patrons.

The National Centre, the UK’s leading circus organisation and one of the best Circus schools in the world, plays a vital role in maintaining the trajectory of the art form in the UK. It was given “National” status in 2014 in recognition of its achievement to date and the value of the art form to the UK’s creative economy.

Philanthropist Aileen Getty, who has been a generous supporter of the National Centre and of Circus more widely for many years, is passionate about the growth of the art form and the transformative power of circus. She said:

"I fell in love with the National Centre for Circus Arts. It has been a source of inspiration for me, a place that brings me joy and a deep sense of belonging. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to help the Centre spread that gift to as many people as possible."

Stephen Daldry, who is a retired circus performer himself, has a long history with the National Centre having worked with the organisation during the London 2012 Olympic Games. As a patron Stephen will be contributing to the Centre’s role in progressing the art form artistically. He said:

"I have been involved with the National Centre for Circus Arts in different capacities for many years and am thrilled with the accomplishments and potential of this extraordinary educational resource. Not just for London, but for the whole country.

"Circus continues to grow, expand and ignite peoples imaginations throughout the United Kingdom. The National Centre is at the heart of a new movement which reevaluates what circus truly means, frees it from the shackles of history and allows the art form to be at the forefront of new imaginative language which can access everyone, whatever their cultural background. The space itself is extraordinary and the people who run it inspirational. I am delighted to become a patron of the National
Centre for Circus Arts”

The National Centre is one of the few places in the world where it’s possible to earn a full BA (hons) degree in Circus Arts and is at the heart of a network of Circus companies around the UK that are progressing contemporary Circus.

Kate White, CEO of the National Centre for Circus Arts said:
“In the past 25 years, we have trained more than 50,000 people in Circus Arts. During this time we have seen our industry go through hugely positive changes and Circus continues to grow and improve. Aileen and Stephen’s support will be hugely valuable to help us to continue to spread the word about the value of Circus, both for those performing and in the audience.”

Contemporary Circus is going from strength to strength with the Edinburgh Fringe launching a major programme for Circus this year - it’s biggest yet - La Soirée winning an Olivier Award 2015, Circus being included in the Theatre Tax Relief alongside drama and dance and more children taking up circus that ever before (DCMS). 

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Notes to Editors
Website: www.nationalcircus.org.uk
Twitter: @NationalCircus #NationalCircus
Tumblr: www.nationalcircus.tumblr.com
Instagram: @NationalCircus

National Centre for Circus Arts
Head of Marketing & Communications
Philip Nichols
Philip@nationalcircus.org.uk
020 7613 8257

Communications Manager
Jessica Ziebland
jessica@nationalcircus.org.uk
020 7613 8270

About the National Centre for Circus Arts
Opening in 1990 as “Circus Space”, The National Centre for Circus Arts is one of the best circus schools in the world and it is at the heart of a network of Circus organisations that are leading the renaissance of Circus in the UK. The organisation champions and supports excellence in Circus Arts in the UK and around the world. It is helping to change the perception of circus in the UK by providing an unparalleled launch-pad for present and future performers, with over 40 circus companies
accessing studio time and funding through the National Centre for Circus Arts.

About Aileen Getty
Aileen Getty was born and raised in Italy. While she has called Los Angeles home for the past 25 years, Aileen spends considerable time in England where some of her family live. It was during a visit to London that Aileen first discovered the National Centre for Circus Arts and she has remained excited by it ever since.

In her hometown of Los Angeles, Aileen has been a leader in efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals and for the community as a whole. Compassion and empathy for individuals living in challenging circumstances inspired Aileen in 2005 to start Gettlove, a nonprofit organization in Hollywood created to acknowledge, house and sustain housing for homeless individuals in Los Angeles.

Aileen’s personal philanthropic efforts in Los Angeles also include supporting other organizations responding to homelessness, participation in preserving and creating public parks and responsibilities as a Trustee of the Museum of Contemporary Art. In 2012 Aileen established the Aileen Getty Foundation. The Foundation supports local and global organizations and endeavors that enhance the environment, our communities and the lives of individuals through innovation, preservation, connection
and kindness.