In the picturesque region where Thuringia meets Saxony-Anhalt, aerial artist Jana Korb has transformed an old mill into the vibrant CircusMühle, a hub for contemporary circus arts. This unique venue, marked by a striking turquoise sign, attracts artists from around the globe seeking innovative expressions in performance. Inside the historic mill, which dates back to 1900, Korb balances her roles as a host and performer, often seen typing away on her laptop while preparing for her next aerial act. With a passion for trapeze and vertical silk, she found her ideal training space in Kelbra after an extensive search across Germany, making CircusMühle a beacon for creativity and collaboration in the arts.In a remarkable initiative to revitalize a historic mill in rural Germany, CircusMühle has emerged as a vibrant hub for international circus artists and theater enthusiasts. Spanning an impressive 8,000 square meters, the site has transformed into a creative residency, attracting performers from Spain, Serbia, Brazil, and New Zealand for a collaborative Think Tank focused on contemporary circus and site-specific theater. Despite initial hesitations about the name, the founders embraced ”circusmühle” to foster a sense of community and nostalgia, resonating with local residents who fondly recall their childhood experiences with the circus. the project has not only garnered enthusiastic support from the surrounding community but has also become a vital social gathering point, offering unique events like memory cafés that invite locals to connect and share stories, filling a much-needed void in the small town of Kelbra.In a small German town grappling with the aftermath of recent flooding, local resident Korb reflects on the challenges of community engagement amid political divides. The town,which recently experienced notable water damage,has seen a rise in support for the far-right AfD party,capturing 26.7% of the vote in the last election. Korb, who previously thrived in a politically homogeneous environment in Berlin, now finds herself navigating conversations with individuals holding vastly diffrent views. She emphasizes the importance of respectful dialog, even when faced with opposing ideologies, as she seeks to foster understanding in a community marked by both historical struggles and contemporary challenges.In a bold initiative to foster inclusivity and artistic expression, Jana Korb and her team at CircusMühle are navigating the delicate balance between openness and safety in a region often associated with far-right ideologies. Emphasizing the transformative power of circus arts, Korb highlights their commitment to engaging with local culture while introducing diverse perspectives, including those of marginalized artists. Despite initial hesitations from some performers, such as a transgender artist who opted out due to concerns about audience reception, the CircusMühle continues to create spaces for empathy and understanding. Their recent participation in Kelbra’s 750th anniversary party showcased their innovative spirit, as they brought the magic of the circus to life, proving that art can bridge divides and inspire community connection.In a groundbreaking initiative, artist Jana Korb and her collaborator Ella von der haide are launching a post-anthropocentric circus aimed at fostering empathy not just for humans, but for all living beings, including fungi, trees, and microbes. This innovative project, which seeks to expand the concept of empathy to address global issues like climate change and conflict, is part of Korb’s broader artistic vision. Additionally, the CircusMühle in Kelbra is undergoing renovations to enhance its aerial performance spaces, with plans to install a mosaic of windows to improve insulation while allowing natural light. This creative endeavor promises to invigorate the local arts scene and promote a deeper connection with the environment.
Editor of Time.news (E): Thank you for joining me today to discuss the captivating transformation of the old mill into CircusMühle.Jana korb’s initiative is not just about aerial arts; it’s about reimagining spaces for contemporary performance.What are your thoughts on the impact of such venues on the arts community?
Expert (X): Absolutely, it’s remarkable! Transforming a historic site into a vibrant arts hub can be incredibly inspiring. CircusMühle’s unique location in Thuringia, a region that blends natural beauty with rich cultural history, adds an extra layer of significance.This venue isn’t merely a stage but a community gathering space that encourages innovation in circus arts, especially for emerging artists worldwide.
E: That’s a great point. The venue’s striking turquoise sign also makes it visually appealing and serves as a landmark for artists and audiences alike. How vital do you think aesthetics and branding are for creative spaces like CircusMühle in attracting talent and engagement?
X: They are crucial. the aesthetics of a venue can transcend mere functionality; it can become part of the experience itself. A striking visual identity such as the turquoise sign of CircusMühle not only captures attention but fosters a sense of belonging and pride among performers and patrons. It sets the tone for the innovative performances that happen inside. Plus, in today’s visual-centric social media landscape, a memorable brand can significantly enhance visibility.
E: Jana Korb’s dual role as both host and performer is also intriguing. How dose balancing these roles enhance the atmosphere within CircusMühle?
X: It’s quite a dynamic balance and essential for fostering a creative surroundings. As both host and performer,Jana can shape the audience’s experience more intimately. When leaders in creative spaces engage actively in the art form, it creates a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere for othre artists to take risks and express themselves. It blurs the lines between performer and spectator, enriching the overall experience.
E: Speaking of innovation, how do you see CircusMühle influencing the future of contemporary circus arts?
X: CircusMühle has the potential to become a beacon for not just performance but for experimentation in circus arts. By attracting diverse artists, it can blend traditional circus elements with modern performance art, fostering new forms of storytelling and expression. This innovation could inspire similar transformations in other underutilized spaces across the globe, helping to sustain and evolve the circus arts in today’s artistic landscape.
E: It sounds like CircusMühle could indeed serve as a model for future projects. Lastly,what do you believe are the key challenges that venues like this face in sustaining such creative endeavors?
X: Funding and consistent audience engagement are often the biggest hurdles. Maintaining the venue, supporting artists through fair pay, and ensuring a steady stream of audiences can be tough. However,by building strong community ties and adapting programming to meet local interests while also addressing global trends in the arts,CircusMühle can sustain its mission and continue to flourish.
E: Thank you for sharing your insights! I’m looking forward to seeing how CircusMühle evolves and what new heights Jana Korb will bring to contemporary circus arts.
X: My pleasure! I’m equally excited to see the impact this unique venue will have on artists and the wider cultural community.