Discussion Table: Clowning and climate change. Is circus a good way to communicate science?
This table will discuss the following questions:
- Why have you never used circus before? If you have, how?
- Can circus make science less scary? And the future less bleak?
- Do you think circus science in your centre would attract different visitors?
Biography
Dea Birkett, a former circus artiste, founded and is Ringmaster of Circus250, a circus creation and touring company. Circus250 co-ordinated the UK and Ireland-wide celebration of 250 years of circus in 2018.
The not-for-profit company specialises in ‘Circus with Purpose’, in particular making circus science shows that tackle inequalities and challenging issues in STEM. Circus250’s StrongWomen Science won Best Family Event in the prestigious Family Friendly Awards – the first science show to do so. Circus250 has worked across UK, Ireland and beyond – including with Science Museum, National Railway Museum and Abu Dhabi Science Festival – using circus to make science accessible to all.
Dea is also founder of and led Kids in Museums, the UK-wide organisation working with museums, science centres and heritage sites to make them more welcoming of children and families – in particular those who have never visited before.