TELLING NEW STORIES IN EXTRAORDINARY WAYS

“For me as a black artist and maker, one of the most pressing problems we have is to see beyond the surface. Circus creates a democratic space to explore the extraordinary qualities that bind not divide us.” Vicki Dela Amedume, Upswing’s Artistic Director

Upswing is a multi-award-winning UK-based contemporary circus company. Founded by Vicki Dela Amedume in 2006, we use the human body as an expressive tool to entertain, inspire curiosity, share urgent ideas and ignite a desire to build connection.

We tell new stories in extraordinary ways – amplifying and celebrating the skills, creative talents and stories of diverse artists and communities.

Difference and diversity fuels our work, we believe that everyone benefits when all life experiences come together to spark new questions and ideas.

Upswing’s work is not confined to theatres and festivals; we reach people in unexpected ways, wherever they are. That might look like a digital trail through a local park, a circus takeover in a care home, a large-scale spectacle on a rooftop, or a bedtime story for families in libraries.

We expand the possibilities of circus as an art form, pushing the boundaries of what it can be and using it to help us shape the world we want to live in.

We are a National Portfolio Organisation receiving core support from Arts Council England.

Upswing is a registered charity. Over the years we have been supported by 101 Outdoor Arts, Arts Council England, British Council, John Lyon’s, City Bridge Trust, The Rayne Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, The London Community Foundation, Without Walls, Jacksons Lane