Social transformation through the language of Circus Arts
MISSION
MakeShift’s mission is to collaboratively provoke exciting, depthful, and transformative moments through teaching and performing circus in Atlanta and beyond.
VISION
Through our projects, we work to amplify and connect diverse voices to build an Atlanta full of color, inclusion, equity, justice, and play. We strive to infuse the thrill & accessibility of circus into individual and social change work.
Values
Celebration of Diversity Connection Equity Play Collective Wisdom Social Engagement
MakeShift is …
Circus
Community Voices
Diverse Collaborators
Public Spaces
Dialogue
PROCESS
We strive to hold the integrity of our core values through each step of our work. We are process oriented, seeking ourselves to be a part of projects that will transform us into better agents for social change. We do not see ourselves as outside of the issues that our work addresses. We draw from the concept of Theater of the Oppressed recognizing that everyone creates the situations that allow social justice to continue. We all have a stake in moving forward social equity for all beings.
Through MakeShift’s projects, we gather and share real stories that shift and transform the mainstream narratives that support the continued marginalization of important and valued members of our community. We seek to mobilize awareness and resources in support of community members that are organizing to push back against injustice.
Our larger projects generally run on a two year cycle beginning with the identification of the social issue that the specific project will address. Next we investigate the context of the issue by reading, viewing documentaries, attending events and lectures, and working to connect and learn with others touched by the issue. We then reach out to the larger community to gather voices that would amplify the complexities of the issue. Through story circles and interviews we gather recordings of community members sharing their stories and experiences. Next we work with social artists that are representative of key stakeholders to create a performance that will bring the stories to life on stage. We then host a season of free, widely accessible performances followed by dialogue amongst audience members. The performance seasons are documented on video and a short film series is created from the material. The films produced allow us to continue to invite our community into spaces for dialogue, transformation, and mobilization against injustice.
We are also very excited about collaborating on other projects. We feel honored to be invited into collaboration by other groups involved in socially engaged art and social justice work. We believe deeply in the importance of widening social impact through building relationships and networks that support and amplify each other.
makeshiftcircus.org 