The Kyiv Circus Academy proudly represented Ukraine at the prestigious ELIA Biennial Conference 2024, held in Milan, Italy, from November 20–23. The conference, themed “Arts Plural”, brought together leading artists, designers, educators, and students to explore the transformative power of artistic intelligence in addressing contemporary global challenges.
Hosted by NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, the ELIA Biennial is a cornerstone event for the international arts education community. This year’s conference centered on celebrating and redefining artistic intelligence — a unique system of perception, insight, creation, and decision-making that has driven innovation and societal evolution for centuries.
The Kyiv Circus Academy participated in thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops, and collaborative exhibitions, showcasing how circus arts can contribute to a pluralistic vision of arts education. The Academy highlighted its pioneering role in blending traditional and contemporary circus techniques with interdisciplinary approaches, emphasizing the importance of creativity in fostering social inclusion, ecological awareness, and cultural dialogue.
“Participating in the ELIA Biennial 2024 was a remarkable opportunity for Kyiv Circus Academy,” said Oleksandr Yakovlev, Rector of the Kyiv Circus Academy. “As advocates of artistic innovation, we believe circus arts possess a unique capacity to engage audiences and address critical societal issues. This conference allowed us to share our insights and learn from the global arts community.”
Milan, known for its rich art and design heritage, served as the perfect backdrop for this groundbreaking event. The conference encouraged participants to expand their perspectives, experiment with new ideas, and collaborate on transformative solutions in fields such as politics, ecology, ethics, technology, and sustainability.
The Kyiv Circus Academy’s participation underscored Ukraine’s vibrant artistic contributions on the global stage. By engaging in events like the ELIA Biennial, the Academy reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of arts education and championing artistic intelligence as a force for positive change.
The ELIA Biennial Conference is organized by ELIA, a globally connected network for higher arts education institutions. To learn more about the event and its initiatives, visit ELIA’s official website.
