Research shows circus participation contributes to youth wellbeing

Spaghetti Circus, a leading Australian youth circus and the organisation behind the National Circus Festival, has released a report revealing the significant positive impact that participation in circus arts has on young Australians' mental health, confidence, and social connections.

The study, developed in collaboration with leading research agency Patternmakers, reports enhanced wellbeing, increased self-confidence, and stronger social bonds among participants. It suggests that involvement in circus arts better prepares young people to face future challenges and inspires them to adopt healthier lifestyle choices.

The research highlights how participation in the arts equips young people with protective factors against mental illness, fosters leadership, and enhances physical and emotional resilience. It underscores the broader value of arts engagement in addressing youth challenges across Australia.

While the report draws on insights from Spaghetti Circus’ Performance Troupe’s 2023 season of Monumental in the Northern Rivers, including the response to localised crises such as the devastating 2022 floods and regional disengagement, its findings are nationally relevant. The research addresses widespread challenges such as mental health issues, social disconnection, and disengagement, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participation in arts programs like circus fosters improved mental health, greater self-confidence, and stronger social connections. This report demonstrates the potential for similar initiatives nationwide to address youth wellbeing.

Alice Cadwell General Manager Spaghetti Circus noted “Creating Monumental was exciting and challenging and offered significant regional benefits. It was fantastic to work with Patternmakers to demonstrate what we all know in youth arts and circus: that we are changing lives and empowering healthy, creative, and confident kids.”

Tandi Palmer Williams. Managing Director at Patternmakers added “we have all heard the statistics about our young people and the challenges they face today. Australia's social cohesion is also at an all-time low, so programs like this are becoming more and more valuable.

“From what happens in rehearsals to observing the performance and surveying the participants, it really struck me how the Performance Troupe not only empowers the young performers, but creates impacts that ripple throughout a community. From the starry-eyed children, to the performers' families and the general audiences at the venue, this program changes a community for the better, and in a flood impacted community it is incredibly powerful.

"I was so moved by the evaluation that I even enrolled my own child to start in the preschooler classes!'”

Spaghetti Circus collaborates with its Performance Troupe and Guest Directors every two years to develop an original circus work. The Performance Troupe is made up of 15-20 young people aged 12-18 years who move up through Spaghetti’s circus school every year. This report examines the creation and performance of Monumental in late 2023 which premiered at The Brunswick Picture House, and went on to perform in Spaghetti’s Big Top at the 2024 National Circus Festival to 3,000 + audiences. The work was Directed by A Good Catch Circus with an original score composed and performed by Sue Simpson and Melia Naughton.

The full report can be read here.

KEY FINDINGS

Mental Health and Wellbeing

• 88% of participants reported that involvement in circus arts positively impacted their overall wellbeing.

• 94% of participants said they gained greater self-confidence.

Social Connection

• 100% of participants noted that the program helped them connect with others and build lasting friendships.

Preparation for Future Challenges

• 88% of participants felt the experience prepared them to face future challenges.

• 82% were inspired to make healthier lifestyle choices.

Broader Implications for Australian Youth

• The report underscores the potential for circus arts and similar programs to address challenges affecting youth across Australia. Arts participation has been linked to better mental health, increased social engagement, and civic participation such as volunteering and voting.

A National Conversation on Arts and Youth Development

This report not only highlights the transformative impact of circus on regional youth but also underscores its relevance for young people nationwide. As communities and policymakers seek solutions to support youth wellbeing, organisations like Spaghetti Circus offer scalable, impactful approaches that can benefit young Australians from all walks of life.

Images. Spaghetti Circus Performance Troupe Monumental 2023 Credit: Hamish McCormick