Describe the main features of the measure/initiative:
Circus in Ethiopia has a 50-year long history. In 1992, the circus was first structured in Addis Ababa with 5 major circus branches as well as 13 affiliated circus groups under the title “Circus Ethiopia”. Circus Ethiopia has helped circus art to be widely recognized throughout the country in a short period of time. It has also served as the cultural ambassador of Ethiopia globally.
However, due to the 2006 Charity and Civil Society Law, Circus Ethiopia has been forced to dismantle because of the lack of funds. Thereafter, circus groups have been operating independently throughout the country. In recognizing the fact that private activities are not conducive to the growth of the sector, several individuals and associations have come together to form a national circus association—the Ethiopian National Circus Association (ENCA) Consortium.
Establishing ENCA has greatly helped in leading the sector in an organized manner and getting proper attention and support from the government. It has also supported local artists to be more competitive in the international market of contemporary circus.
The Ethiopian National Circus Association (ENCA) Consortium is comprised of 53 circus groups from five regional states, including Amhara, Tigray, Benishangul-Gumuz, Oromia and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region as well as Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa city administrations. As a result of this initiative, all 53 circus groups have been legally recognized and issued licenses as well as national certificates.
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the measure/initiative?:
- All 53 member circus groups have been legally recognized and issued licenses as well as
national certificates.
- The scattered circus sector is now being led in a centralized and organized manner.
- Various capacity building activities and experience-sharing activities were conducted.
- The Ethiopian National Circus Associations have signed a memorandum of understanding with Culture and Tourism Bureaus of 5 Regional and 2 City Administrations, allowing circus groups to conduct joint activities with government bodies throughout the country.
- All 53 member circus groups have been supported to have their own internal structure in accordance with the Ethiopian law.
- Circus artists have come together from all over the country to stand up for their rights
and face challenges at the regional and national levels.