Open Letter: Testimonials from artists, companies, educators, partners, audience members, and participants of UP – Circus & Performing Arts (formerly Espace Catastrophe)

To the attention of the Minister for Culture, the new Governing Body of UP – Circus & Performing Arts, and the press.

As artists, educators, partners, audience members, students, and participants who have grown and worked within the walls of Espace Catastrophe (which became UP – Circus & Performing Arts in 2021), we view the current situation with deep concern.

For over 30 years, Catherine Magis and Benoît Litt have brought a vision and expertise that are rare in the performing arts, and more specifically in the circus arts. We have seen them support young collectives when nobody knew them, open their doors to artists from other disciplines and from all corners of the world, and make space for unconventional or inclusive creative work. They have supported emerging companies and internationally renowned artists alike with the same care and high standards. We have seen them champion our projects with fervent passion and continue to believe in ideas that others deemed impossible.

Throughout these 30 years, they have worked tirelessly to create this space of trust where impossible projects become reality. This phenomenal work, indispensable to the circus arts in Belgium and internationally, has been made possible by the dedicated teams working alongside them, who have tackled ambitious projects head-on.

Today, the situation in which Catherine and Benoît find themselves troubles us and raises difficult questions. For several months, a dominant narrative has emerged surrounding the association’s crisis: accusations of toxic management levelled at the two directors, their sidelining, and internal tensions relating to governance. The current response, characterised by pressure being exerted on the founders, has created a climate of extreme tension. This climate hinders the resumption of dialogue and prevents the mediation that could resolve conflicts and rebuild a healthier, more harmonious working dynamic.

The accounts of suffering shared by former staff members are genuine and valid, and must be listened to with the utmost attention. Catherine and Benoît themselves have repeatedly expressed a desire for a mediation process.

We hope that such a dialogue can begin, as it seems to be the only framework capable of guaranteeing the safety and dignity of all parties, ensuring that what needs to be rectified can be addressed in a calm environment.

We believe it is urgent to avoid an immediate rupture and to explore other possible avenues together. The cultural sector must set an example of innovation and offer alternatives to traditional corporate methods: a smooth, well-prepared, gradual, and robust transition could be the alternative to a sudden break. This involves reinventing a model of shared governance in which historical expertise continues to serve the institution, while being embedded within shared, cooperative, and inclusive decision-making processes.

Through this open letter, we wish to propose an approach that would unite the community rather than divide it. The art world needs resilience and models of cooperation.