Lets talk about the arts of the street. Streets connect us—linking one side of the city to the other, carrying us to our loved ones, business partners, soulmates, and yoga classes. Street Theater or art in public spaces invites us to reimagine the street as a stage, with each passerby as an unwitting audience.
In the words of the street theater legends, Generik Vapeur: “In our processions, we don’t just perform; we invite the city to dance with us. The street becomes a living canvas where performance and the public merge into one continuous act of imagination.” As Plasticiens Volants aptly say, “We don’t just create performances; we sculpt the air itself.”
If you know me, you know how deeply invested I am in the development of this art form for over a decade.
This summer, I embarked on a bucket-list trip to some of the most extraordinary street theater festivals—less known to U.S. presenters but central to the evolution of outdoor arts:
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing over 100 shows and walked 112 miles (according to my phone!), engaging with countless artists, and connecting with French organizations like the Union Fédérale d’Intervention des Structures Culturelles and Formation Supérieure d’Art en Espace Public. I also visited the headquarters of Plasticiens Volants, where the magic happens, and the enchanting Moulin Jaune of Slava Polunin. I am profoundly grateful for the extraordinary welcome I received.
If you’re curious, let’s connect! Let’s keep the conversation going about how to ignite this spark in the U.S., where we still have much to gain from the social cohesion, cultural enrichment, accessibility, urban transformation, economic impact, educational opportunities, and creative freedom that this unique and relevant art form brings to our communities.
Talk to me if you’re looking to develop tours or programs in public spaces—my portfolio has grown exponentially! Let’s discuss how to make this art form sustainable within your organization. Share with me what challenges you face in bringing or developing more of this work at your venue.
Cheers to all my U.S. colleagues—warriors in the support of outdoor festivals and performances in public spaces!
