Setouchi Circus Factory (SCF) began as a voluntary organisation in 2012 to promote contemporary circus, a new art form originating in Europe, in Japan, and became an incorporated association in 2014. SCF steadily developed a wide range of activities including performances, festivals and professional training. In 2017, it was recognised as the first official Asian member of Circostrada, an international network officially supported by the European Commission and the French Ministry of Culture.
Its work extends beyond the arts. With contemporary circus at its centre, SCF collaborates with a wide range of local partners to foster a culture found nowhere else and create new appeal for Kagawa Prefecture. Although based in a regional area, its distinctive approach is “glocal” — global and local — connecting directly with the world.
Setouchi Odyssey
SCF’s “Setouchi Odyssey” project was selected for the Japan World Exposition Commemorative Fund for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years. Connected to the Expo vision of a future society where life shines and to the Sustainable Development Goals, the project works with local residents, organisations and companies. Alongside the arts, it develops collaboration with regional industry, education and welfare to create future-oriented regional strength connected directly to the world.
KUMA LABO
As part of its cooperation with local industry, SCF opened KUMA LABO with Yamaichi Mokuzai: a place where craftspeople and the performing arts meet to generate new ideas and objects. Centred on woodworking and circus, the laboratory brings stonework, metalwork, Japanese paper and other manufacturing fields into year-round contact with arts and culture.
Training people and developing places are essential to the sustainability of this project. SCF therefore asks regional companies for their support and cooperation.
Benefits and details for cooperation and sponsorship during the current year will be published shortly.
Contact: info@scf.or.jp