This Listening Session highlighted the potential impacts of officially recognizing circus arts through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The discussions covered various aspects, including increased safety regulations through initiatives like SafeArt and SafeCircus, an extended branch of the U.S Center for SafeSport, the development of labor rights for circus workers, and possible legislation such as the Circus Arts Rights Act or Circus Workers Act. Additionally, the Listening Session addressed the expansion of circus arts education, the integration of circus programs in higher learning institutions, and visa and immigration policies for international circus performers. During the session, administration officials shared more on how the Biden-Harris Administration is supporting the arts and humanities, creative economy, and workers’ rights more broadly.
