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Politically In Circus A Series with Martin Frenette- Circuspreneur Podcast
22 Plays2 months ago
#CreativeEconomy
#ArtsAdvocacy
#ArtistsInPolicy
#ImpeachmentExplained
#RepresentationMatters
#GlobalPolitics
#Davos #Venezuela #Greenland
In this episode of the Circuspreneur Podcast, host Shenea Stiletto sits down with Martin Frenette—circus savant, artist, and analyst—to explore the intersection of politics, power, and the circus arts community.
From policy blind spots and political u-turns to representation gaps and global decision-making, this conversation unpacks how political systems—often built without artists in mind—directly shape the lives, labor, and futures of creative workers and cultural sectors.
This episode is part of Politically in Circus, an ongoing series examining how governance, economics, and global power structures impact circus and the creative economy—often quietly, and often without our voices in the room.
If you’re an artist, producer, cultural worker, or simply curious about how politics actually affects the arts behind the scenes, this is a conversation worth continuing.
🎪🎙️ Tune in, stay engaged, and follow along as the series continues.
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Transcript
Podcast Introduction and Hosts
00:00:00
Speaker
Welcome to the Circuspreneur Podcast sponsored by Stagelink.com where creativity meets advocacy and the business of circus is reimagined. I'm your host, Sinead Stiletto, world champion acrobat, artist, and unapologetic believer that circus belongs not just on the stage, but at the decision-making table.
00:00:18
Speaker
Joining me in 2026 is someone who knows circus from the inside out, artist, creator, and fellow circus savant, Martin Frenet. Welcome back, Martin. Thank you, the first of the year. I'm happy to be back.
00:00:32
Speaker
and Well, together we are asking the real questions.
Circus Artists in Civic Spaces
00:00:36
Speaker
What happens when circus artists step into civic spaces? How does movement become message? And can balancing on our hands help us better balance policy? That is politically in circus, folks. It is a series. We're we're still going with that, um with that,
00:00:53
Speaker
a that title, Martin, how do you feel about it? You feel politically in circus continues to exemplify what we're going for here in our little chats? Of course, because we need to find a politics, because there are politics everywhere in the world, not only in the government houses, but also in circus or in theater. Like there are politics and we need to address those, obviously.
00:01:17
Speaker
Yeah, I think, I think it's really important. I think these conversations are pertinent to, you know, the times and, you know, ah part of the caption I say in the intro too, is this, this isn't just about performing anymore. It's about representation. It's about bringing the story of circus into the rooms where laws are written. and futures are shaped right so I think more artistic voices more circus voices could be a valuable thing and is a valuable thing and our topic for today well we have several topics but we're
00:01:49
Speaker
we're coining this discussion political U-turns and more.
US Political U-Turns and Greenland
00:01:54
Speaker
Literally and figuratively, there was a I mean, there's a lot of political U-turns happening. There was one that just happened this morning um by way of Greenland and, you know, the political U-turn that, you know, our administration is now taking on that. First, they were very gung-ho. We are going to, you know, be coming in and, you know,
00:02:17
Speaker
Greenland will be America, which it is not. And this morning, the discussion was, it's going to be a long process. We're looking at other options. We're not going forward with anything um yet. Very big political yeah U-turn. And let's also bring in the fact that there was a big political U-turn for Air Force One the other day. That's why we are using that term because Air Force One literally had to do a U-turn to make it back. And then now there's all of these key political yeah U-turns for policy. So what do you think, Martin? I mean, Greenland is, you know, I mean, they've deployed troops there, you know, on the Danes have um at a certain point. um Canada was now trying to do exercises.
00:02:59
Speaker
What do you think? Well, the thing is even like going going back a step, but ah because he's talking about a U-turn, but it's also what is the situation over there? Because if we go way back, when the you add ah the U.S. acquired, for instance, Texas or Louisiana, there was like an open discussion. there was It was a real, i don't say like offer, but like it happened legally through a process.
00:03:27
Speaker
and you can't just now make a U-turn on this legal way and say, let's just grab Greenland. No, no, wait, like, for each time something or some part was acquired by the United States or any other nation, there was a a legal process to go through.
00:03:47
Speaker
And you can't just say, now U-turn, let's I feel like having I feel like I made that code in a store. just going to take it with me. No, there's a way. I make a purchase.
00:03:58
Speaker
If purchase is even loud, I can't take the code off guide the guy, the cacher, you know? Yes, exactly. Like, it just doesn't work that way. For anybody out there, I mean, I just think that the topic continues to be, I think it's just really insane to imagine that we are just going to be acquiring poor Greenland who wants to retain their sovereigns, their sovereignty, and, you know, they deserve to be able to do that. um And this is really unprecedent unprecedented anywhere in the world. I mean, you know just for folks to think about again, yeah, what we did with Hawaii, for example, what we did with acquiring Alaska, um even what we might do with ah with having Puerto Rico become a state. you know There has to be a vote. There has to be an entire referendum. I think that's the word from the folks of Puerto Rico, even though they are also two dual citizens, right? They're American citizens. and they can vote um in some of the elections currently, but they are still not America. They are still now Puerto Rico, their own state. So, you know, until that happens and until, you know, that entire legal process, like what you were saying um is respected. i mean, I just hope that, you know, things back off and we can let poor um Greenland just be on its way.
Arts Representation at Davos
00:05:20
Speaker
But it's it's also, I think, of what ah Prime Minister Mark Carney from Canada actually said. One of the best quotes, I think, of this whole Davis meeting was either you're at the table or you're on the menu.
00:05:33
Speaker
But if you don't want to be on the menu like Greenland, what do you do? as Well, be at the table. So I think in a good way, these summits, like in Davos, where they're all meeting right now, there needs to be discussion and there needs to be respectful opposition and an openness to different views. But um one person cannot dictate the rules. You're at a table. you each get a set of tools and a set of dish and you'll have your turn to order. But yeah, be at a table. We all need it not to stop whining at the waitress or the chef and just set a table and discuss and take actions. Yeah.
00:06:17
Speaker
Yeah, exactly. And I'm glad that you brought up Davos. um You know, for folks that are unfamiliar with Davos, it is underway. It's the Economic Forum. I've actually performed in Davos for TV and done some ice skating shows out there over the years. And Davos is this very high-end ski resort for, you know, for, you people that don't know, um you know, where Davos is in the world and what it is, but the economic forum is very serious. I think another thing to speak about, you know, transitioning from Greenland and the topic of having Greenland having a seat at the table is also the fact that there's not usually a lot of arts representation at Davos. um And I think that that's something that we, you know, can look towards changing. um You know, people feel that
00:07:00
Speaker
you know, the the the minds at Davos really set the stage for the next several years of of economic development across the world. So there are really big key players there. And I think that it's interesting that not a lot of cultural heritage players or arts players are usually invited or usually there to be involved in those discussions either, let alone, you know, some of the countries it's themselves that are um misrepresented or underrepresented at a forum that's, you know, that that epic and there's usually a lot of epic sound bites that come out of Davos every single year, um you know, that go viral and you know, sometimes we get like the the craziest things that come out of that. I think one of the the agendas that was set a few years ago was like, you'll own nothing and be happy. Is that what I think that came from Davos, didn't it?
00:07:47
Speaker
think so. Yeah, think so. I think it was a big summit. Yeah, for sure. Yeah, yeah. So, I mean, you know, they again, ah very powerful influences there, but I would like to see eventually more representation from art sectors um because we are the creative economy. And I think that, you know, we continue continuously are undervalued in the in those spaces. When people are talking about strong economic drivers, we are definitely a part of the fabric of how all of that works together within you know any GDP, for example.
00:08:25
Speaker
And Switzerland has a huge history when it comes to circus and theater and opera. Yeah. And ballet, like I mean, arts, period. Yeah. but on I've toured, and I mean, you've been also in Switzerland.
00:08:37
Speaker
Yeah. It has a huge cultural life. Many great artists, and I'm looking at generations, are from Switzerland. It's beautiful. Yeah.
00:08:49
Speaker
you would think in a summit like this, why isn't there any more art representation? Totally, yeah. Yeah, I mean, some of the oldest circuses are in Switzerland. You've got Circus Knie, you've got the you know huge Knie family that you know needs no introduction you know for listeners out there. And and I wonder, you know listeners, if you know at any point in time where circus or the arts has been represented in a big way at Davos, um you know put it in the chat, um comment on that, because from my to my knowledge, I have not, and I wasn't able to find anything even while searching, um you know, the topic either prior to this episode. But, you know, I mean, maybe the Knys have gone. i wouldn't be surprised if maybe a Knie or two has been at Davos. Or even though the Zurich Ballet is beautiful, it's a wonderful company. and
00:09:42
Speaker
Yeah. Like do a few jetés across and then leap to the stage. Between two speeches, go jetés, jetés, jetés, yeah. Yeah, i I don't know. Maybe there has been some performances at Davos that have been, you know, circus-based. But other than that, that's also too, like, not even what we're talking about. We're really talking about, again, a true seat at the table because just because you have us there performing doesn't mean we were at any of the conversations, making any of the actual deals or making any of the actual connections and partnerships that stem from being at Davos. So, I mean, maybe people can see that as an elevation if you're there performing on the stage, but I think that a stronger voice at, you know, at a, in a panel or something of that nature would be something that I would be looking for in terms of like,
00:10:30
Speaker
adequate representation there, but you know, you never know. So maybe someone has some feedback for us um on that. But I think that's a great topic that I haven't heard a lot of um at
Representation in US Politics
00:10:43
Speaker
all. Okay, we are moving on.
00:10:45
Speaker
ah We also were speaking um about something that you wanted to settle from our previous episode, Martin, um a recap that we did before the new year. And it was about you know representation of Black lawmakers. And you misspoke slightly. And so you wanted to clear that up about what you actually meant.
00:11:08
Speaker
Yeah, i blanked on the word governors. So in yeah and the history- As we do. It happens, you know. um in the history of the United States, I'm not talking the last 20 years, in the history the the country has only had two black governors, not Congress people, as I said, and only 14 senators.
00:11:34
Speaker
Wow. Which is, again, not 20 years. In the whole history of the country, two governors, and 14 senators.
00:11:46
Speaker
And just to give everyone, you know, again, the perspective of how many senators and how many people in the House represented, there's like two, over 200 each in each. Yes, thank you. So if we're saying like, you know, if there's been how many members of Congress, how many senators, 14 total out of the, even within that turnover of over 200 represented in the Senate, I mean,
00:12:10
Speaker
The number is so low. So even when you see people running right now trying to get in the Senate that are a person of color or particularly, actually specifically black, like how important and prolific that is because the number is insanely low over the course of the entire history the United States.
00:12:30
Speaker
Like, you know, I don't know, um you know, and also to yeah, with governors. um And, you know, ah one of the governors, I think it's his name is Wes, um ah from Maryland. And, you know, there's rumors out there that he might run for um ah president in 2028. Yeah. And he's doing some really good work.
00:12:53
Speaker
from what I understand and what I look at um in Maryland. He's got a lot of support a lot of people like him. I think he's got a very strong military background, um if I'm not mistaken, but you know, we might see like one of the very few black governors um end up running for president. And then also to we had the two um ah women governors that were just sworn in the other day. um I believe it's in New Jersey, and maybe in Virginia, that those were historic tickets.
00:13:25
Speaker
They were women and then they also flipped those, um they flipped those states, theypped they flipped those states blue. So a lot happened, um you know, with the the turnover that is so important and essential. And I was just talking to someone the other day, um an advocate about turnover in positions of power and leadership and they were discussing how they couldn't get a particular bill or policy through for years because it was the same representative in that position but then they finally left and the new person in there
00:13:56
Speaker
loved their policy and loved their bill and brought it to the vote and got it passed just like that. And they were like, so, you know, they were like eight years changed in literally a day.
00:14:08
Speaker
And, but they were like, that was painstaking to go up against that one person that didn't want to change that. So, you know, again, representation matters. You never know if that, you know, different level of representation could shift things, which I think that, you know, it's important to remember that, um, especially with so many things coming up.
Understanding Impeachment
00:14:25
Speaker
in the future. And so now another topic that we were speaking about earlier too, Martin was the impeachment process, which we were getting some clarity on that. And so can you say a little bit about your perspective on the impeachment process and then what we ended up coming to and like kind of getting clarity around that? Because you were like, why has the president been impeached before, but still in office? Like, why isn't the impeachment process enough to remove him? But we were talking about how there's two parts to the impeachment process. And that is why he has not been removed previously or even could we be removed now, even though they've brought about the articles of impeachment, because people typically think if you've gotten impeached or you have the articles of impeachment, then you're no longer president like automatically. Yeah. Well, the issue is, and that's why we're talking about like flipping some seats unless the Senate and the Congress unitedly unanimously decide that
00:15:27
Speaker
to impeach and shut the door to a certain person, that person will remain in office, which is why these election are so important because right now, let's be honest, the whole cabinet is behind the president and they're all scared of him.
00:15:43
Speaker
There is no way, even though like the impeachment is saying, he did wrong or e that's illegal or whatever they wanna say, unless the Senate and the Congress moves forward,
00:15:57
Speaker
all together a whole, he will stay in an office. Yeah, and it can just come down to a couple of votes. So it can come down to a couple of allies. And the reason why this is so important is because I don't think there has been any president, and I could be wrong, that has been impeached this many times.
00:16:17
Speaker
I mean, that is a big deal. ah People remember um the last president to um be impeached was President Bill Clinton. And that was a very, it's a very big deal to impeach a president. I mean, it's now become somewhat not a big deal. Like, oh, I can just get impeached like seven, 15 times, doesn't matter. um And it's like not a big deal, but that was a big deal. And it is a big deal. And it's supposed to be a big deal. But if you don't have the numbers, then, you know, again, that's why the process, I guess, works, right? Because,
00:16:57
Speaker
it's supposed to be a two part system and there's the checks and balances there to a certain extent. And it's supposed to be obviously like not the easiest process. I mean, you know, in America, our process is different. Like we've spoken about this on other episodes where in some countries it's really easy to like, ah like switch out a prime minister or just get rid of someone. You can just do it like that. But it's not like that in America. um The American president, I feel like we're saying, um especially if you have control of the House and you have the control of the Senate and you're not able to flip those seats. I mean, you can just continuously stay in power and have some really strong articles of impeachment brought against you. So, I mean, you know, it's it's it's I guess for better or worse.
00:17:39
Speaker
everyone please comment too on you know what your perspective is on our impeachment process do you think that we need to change that process do you think that it's solid do you think that you know it's a process that we could amend um you know to maybe make the process easier i don't know i you know i don't i don't i don't um uh you know i don't know i mean i think it's interesting being able to release different prime ministers and things like that, that, that quickly. But, you know, maybe there's, you know, the other downsides to that, where maybe some people feel like, you know, we've just didn't getting started with a prime minister, and then suddenly they're gone. um And have they even had enough time to get their feet wet? And did they really make a mistake that poorly, that we should take them out of office now, and then we have to kind of start over with somebody new? Does it also make you feel like you're maybe spinning your wheels a little bit? If your leadership is
00:18:31
Speaker
constantly in a flux and you know and is like interchangeable and not only that but um um but obviously now well now in 10 months midterms are coming and there's a lot of voices saying all people are having buyer's remorse and yeah they're singing another thing and they don't want him as much anymore however his name won't be on the ballot his name won't be anywhere to be seen People are voting for the representatives, for the Congress, the Senate, the judges.
00:19:06
Speaker
So even though there seems to be this against the president win at the moment, when midterms come, unless we'll really know he or she is Republican, he and she are seats for this man, it
Political Engagement and Voting
00:19:23
Speaker
won't make a difference. So...
00:19:24
Speaker
um We need to be aware of what these elections mean in terms of seats and what does a seat can do and how do all these seats together make a difference? Because um it can only be anti-X or anti-Y.
00:19:45
Speaker
The Democrats really need to push forward their platforms, their ideas, need to make other people like want to vote. yeah I don't think you go to the gym to say, oh, I don't want to be fat. You go there because I want to be fit. I want to fit in that suit. I want to feel good. I want, I want, not I don't want to be like, I think anything you start to do with, I don't want to do X, but if it's, I want to, it's much better. So,
00:20:15
Speaker
Now I think we're at a place with the political climate where it needs to be more I want and if I'm sick of. Right. right To move the votes forward and to make this split happen.
00:20:28
Speaker
Yeah, exactly. And like you were saying too, Martin, like so many of these seats, people don't realize, I think sometimes we can be a little bit short-sighted of, oh, the only reason why this particular thing that the executive office wasn't able to get passed is because a federal judge blocked it because this particular judge blocked it or this particular judge gave it the okay. So you should look at the, um, the, um, the decisions or, you know, um, the decision-making of your particular representatives and look at their history. How have they been on these particular issues? Because it may come to your door in your state, or it may be come up in something that you're like, I can't believe this is able to happen. And like, how can we stop this from happening? Well, that person in that particular seat has got to be
00:21:21
Speaker
someone who will be inclined to vote no on that particular thing. And if you are voting in someone or you just don't know who they are, you don't know who's going to be on your ballot. um You know, that will become tricky when it comes down to them making very important decisions. And also to remember everyone, these positions, especially with the judges, some of them, their seats are held for like eight years. right Yeah, in life. Yeah, there's a lot of it. Yeah, life.
00:21:48
Speaker
But local judges, they they don't come up for reelection for a very long time. And um and also to some of them, many of them are appointed um to their positions. And then once they're up for a vote, people don't vote. So they get appointed and then they just don't have any opposition. And then they stay in that position. and then they stay there for years without having another election.
00:22:11
Speaker
because that's just how it goes. And so then you have someone that maybe isn't going to make certain great decisions for you, but they're going to be there for the next four years.
00:22:22
Speaker
And there is not much that you can do about that. And they will retain that power. um They don't really, I don't think, get get ah thrown out or impeached or recalled very often.
00:22:34
Speaker
in any case. But... Sadly, but yes. yeah I like the... In any case, yeah. yeah yes you know before now
00:22:48
Speaker
And so, okay, what are our next
Venezuela and Nobel Prize Symbolism
00:22:50
Speaker
topics? Okay. Venezuela, we were speaking about this before we got on the podcast. You had some hilarious things to say, as you usually do, even though nothing about this is funny. um We've got to find humor in it all somewhere, folks, because things are at such a, again, unprecedented. I am on many phone calls right now where um anyone from any particular background is just like, I've never seen anything like this. And I don't think we've seen anything like what we saw happening in Venezuela. And um I wanted to touch on
00:23:27
Speaker
the Nobel prize regifting. That's another, I think, political U-turn um that you were like, no, I do not wish to discuss that or speak that, but you're getting some really like great antidotes. And because it's Cirque du Dement right now, and because circus festivals are in full swing, you had some hilarious things to compare the regifting of the and Nobel prize um from the Venezuelan um ah ah activist or advocate, whatever you'd like to call her, to our president. Nobel Prize winner.
00:24:11
Speaker
Oh, now you said it. now Now you said it. You went ahead and said it. I was trying to, you know, like I usually do, I try to like, you know, maneuver around not saying certain things, but all right, the Nobel Prize winner. That's who she That's who she was.
00:24:25
Speaker
yeah Well, in any case.
00:24:31
Speaker
Yes, but we were saying, you were saying, it's not like you can just give something like that away. Just like I can't give away my world championship gold medals to just anyone and say, now you're a world champion. Or someone at Cirque du Demand can't just say, here' you know here's this, or somebody from you know any any of the festivals. Monte Carlo can't say, here's my golden clown.
00:24:54
Speaker
No. it's I don't think, or like, kate Meryl Streep can go to her pharmacist and say, here's your Oscar.
00:25:05
Speaker
my My friend won a medal at the Met few years ago, i was at her place and she said, I can just go here, Martin, you won at the, how many, whatever it was, festival.
00:25:18
Speaker
That's not how it works. there is a And like we were saying before, as a former gymnast yourself, you know there are times, there are deadlines if you want to be eligible for the Olympics to make the national team.
00:25:31
Speaker
If you want a movie to be eligible for the Oscars, there are time limits, there are dates. In that case, when it comes to Nobel Prize, I think like the cut for the nominations was mid-January or something.
00:25:47
Speaker
I don't even an office or he had been in office for a very short time. So unless you fix the world in 24 hours, you were not qualified.
00:26:00
Speaker
That is for the 25. There you go. yeah um Yes, that's just not how it works. And I think, again, you know, we were discussing this of, you know, looking at things from her perspective. And I can't speak um too much from what we know about her, but I believe she was like an exile and terrible things happened to her. Terrible things. Right. By those that were um like forced their way in into power in Venezuela and like forced her out. But I don't want to.
00:26:32
Speaker
look like, you know, we're not taking any kinds of sides. But from her perspective, again, what he did was like a really great thing because I think those were on the press, obviously, by this country. yeah Well, the political climate at the very least.
00:26:46
Speaker
Yeah, exactly. So, you know, she obviously was, you know, exiled and and thrown out and I'm sure, you know, had threats um on her life, um as many of those environments have that, um you know, in those countries, it's it's it's very different and it's and it's very harsh. And so in a way for her, she was like, wow, great. Thank you. Yeah. Like this is, you know, like you did me in a wonderful, awesome favor. um But, you know, obviously breaking laws, international laws and um you know, not getting declarations from our government is like a no go. You know, and I've even been discussing this with, with, um you know, people that I know that are in my life that have a military background. And they're like, well, he sent in the Marines and, you know, he, you know, ah can can do that, you know, so there's, there, there are so many different perspectives um that are in that,
00:27:39
Speaker
ah in that particular um you know situation we you know we were talking about too, like how you know perspectives also too can be very different on the ground when you're in a country, right? Like on the outside, everyone's like, oh my God, this is like the worst thing. Sometimes on the inside, everyone is like, yes. Like maybe we don't like the way that it was done, but we are so happy that it was done. I'm not saying that that's what this is here, um you know, whatsoever or making it seem like, you know, the majority of the Venezuelan people are happy that this happened. Right. But there's just there are many different perspectives that go into this. um
00:28:12
Speaker
And I was also listening to a commentator the other day too, that was discussing the fact that, you know, every single time these big things keep happening right now, we're missing other things that are happening that are also important. Yes. Remind everyone to like read through the lines because all of these sensationalized, you know, occurrences, you know, there's, he's like, there's all these different deals that are happening, you know, like with China there, you know, he's like, there's just so many different deals that are happening, like openly, not behind the scenes, but nobody's really paying attention to them or speaking about them anymore. um because of you know these things that are happening that are taking up a lot of space. And when you say, we're not speaking about the Epstein files anymore, ah the Epstein files have kind of like, you know disappeared again with these- They're still missing. Yeah. Yeah.
00:29:01
Speaker
They've never returned. They've never been back. So you know that's also, again, where has that gone? Where is Pan Bondi? Missing as well with the files.
00:29:17
Speaker
Taking another trip, yeah taking another flight. and oh Yeah, I know too soon. um But, you know, when, ah you know, the public discourse around these really important, um you know, occurrences like goes and dies away, I think we can see how quickly the conversation shifts and then all of a sudden, you know, weeks and months go by and we haven't, you know, discussed the importance of, you know, where we are at with that. I know, I think the Clintons were subpoenaed um recently.
00:29:52
Speaker
um to testify. um I'm curious of how they're going to do that. I've heard that, you know, they might get up there and plead the fifth um as soon as they get, you know, to the table, which is something that they can definitely do. Um, I've experienced that in bigger cases that we had with USA gymnastics. If people remember, um, Steve Penny was one of the main, um, perpetrators and enablers from USA gymnastics. And he sat down and he pled the fifth for every question, um, that he was asked, um, when he had to report to Washington DC. And so we got no answers and nothing out of him. And, um, that's your lawful right. Then he was arrested. and then released and then signed off and again, never to be seen again. So you can do a lot of sweetheart deals that will work to your favor. So again, there's a lot of ways around the system, even when you're called and subpoenaed to testify in Washington, DC. So I'm curious to see how that will play out with the Clintons and what they'll end up doing there. Do have any thoughts on that, Martin?
00:30:56
Speaker
Well, the only thing I believe I read an article the last week or so is that the clinicians have already submitted and alpha David or they submitted something that is basically the equivalent of going there to testify. So they like submitted like a written testimony of like pretty much everything that will come up.
00:31:21
Speaker
At the same time, that is a very serious thing. It's a legal obligation. So it's, yeah, it's it's a tough it's a tough place. I mean, i we see a whole picture, of course, and someone else would be stepping in that well, but it's a tough one, yes.
00:31:39
Speaker
Yeah. and And I also heard too that, you know, they were like everything that they already need to know, they know they have sorted through these files. They know everything about, you know, the Clintons. There's things essentially they're like, they have the, whatever the smoking guns are, they're like, they already have those in the files and, uh, you know, asking them to appear even beyond the affidavit. They're like, I mean, again, yes, sure. but they have what they they need. They have the evidences. They have the evidence, right? and That they would need, so.
00:32:13
Speaker
It does feel like a lot of smoke and mirror to just, yeah. Let's all look over there while it's happening over here. So it does feel like, like,
00:32:25
Speaker
I don't want to go through this, but many other things have happened that certain press in the White House did last year that we don't see something will put attention somewhere else. So I think the Clinton's being subpoenaed is the same thing here. Like that just divert the attention now.
00:32:41
Speaker
Yeah, of course. Well, there is a few um arts updates that I wanted to make in this episode because they are
Funding for Arts and Humanities
00:32:50
Speaker
very important. The National Endowment for the Arts will be fully funded. Everyone that is huge, National Endowment for Humanities will also be fully funded. So for everyone You know, it's been almost a year of fighting for a fully funded National Endowment for the Arts in America and the National Endowment for the Humanities in America. Everyone thought they were going to get shut down. But even still, even though they're goingnna be fully funded, it was a disaster of a year for the arts. um And but again, a lot of political work went into this behind the scenes. We have been advocating with offices the entire year nonstop, begging them to make sure that they confirm um the full funding of the NEA and the full funding of the National Endowment for Humanities. So many different circus arts programs and schools rely on those grants every single year. And so many programs were affected as we all saw throughout the entire year. But we are fortunate that the NEA and the NEH will survive. so They're not going to to be shut down um much like PBS just did, which is, you know, um the public broadcasting network in America. and that's, you know, completely devastating. We all have grown up with that. And, you know, you got things like Sesame Street from PBS and, you know, just really amazing and beautiful pieces of, pieces of, of, of media from that and things that supported, you know, free access and education for children.
00:34:20
Speaker
um you know, that they got through those programs. That was really important and essential. So that's another update I want to make. And yeah, do you have any thoughts about that, Martin? Well, it's, i think it's taking time. And you know, someone who's been an advocate for so many years, I believe if we are loud enough, long enough, our governments are finally taking notice. And let's invest in our i really feel like i've seen here in germany last years with new grants for circus at appearing more and more what you mentioned now about the us or like the there seems to be a lot more residencies happening because of cultural government giving to the arts and i think finally the governments and our leaders are seeing
00:35:10
Speaker
circus and the arts are spreading light awareness about a country, a region, a language. Yes, as as you know, as an artist yourself, we've worked with both from different countries. And I can say now, I know a bit of the Brazilian culture because we're Brazilians.
00:35:29
Speaker
about Finnish culture because I work with all these Finnish people. So ill um i don't i won't go to the whole globe, but um if you are around a group of people or even a single artist from a country, you get a culture.
00:35:42
Speaker
If government invests in shows, whether it's circus, dance, ballet, music, name it, and that show gets to Enverro French Festival or some big stage,
00:35:57
Speaker
The whole country benefits from it. I mean, I don't need to tell you how people can say the word Quebec because of a certain little circus that came out of Israel.
00:36:10
Speaker
thank
00:36:13
Speaker
How many bilingual individuals there are now? This tiny little circus, you know? It helped. It spread. It spread. Oh yes, it works. Not you, Duolingo.
00:36:26
Speaker
Not you. No, this one little circus. Well, on that note, folks, I also want to
Circus Arts Guild Launch
00:36:35
Speaker
share an update. The Circus Arts Guild of America, our newest, biggest website will be dropping soon.
00:36:42
Speaker
We've gotten so many asks you about this for so long to have a landing page. That is a website. So we are essentially compiling the last almost six years of advocacy effort into this website.
00:36:54
Speaker
It took time, but it will be dropping soon. It's something that everybody can sign up for. and it's a cohesive space to see the work that we're doing on a daily, regular basis, how you can be involved, getting updates.
00:37:08
Speaker
But again, we put out that information through the podcast, through all of our social media networks. um You know, it's kind of everywhere. but We have tried to um you know meet the demand um of a website for Saga, which is what we like to call it. And yeah, I hope that everyone gets um you know some good things out of it. And if you have any questions about the website, you know please again, just comment in the chat or DM me like you usually do. And again, we are responding.
00:37:41
Speaker
to the questions that everyone's always asking us and asking us to put in to motion. And so it has been a labor of love and shout out to Elena Brocade, who, you know, is um you know, putting a lot of energy and effort into the website. Obviously we all are, but, You know, she does a phenomenal job on that side of things. And then, yeah, I also wanted to give a shout out to the unionizing conversation that I heard the other day
00:38:12
Speaker
These are folks that I know locally. and yeah, the unionizing conversation continues for the circus arts industry here in Las Vegas, here in Nevada, and across America. We need to unionize the circus. We need to organize a circus or we need to pass circus the Circus Workers Act and circus arts policy, but it makes me and brings me joy to see people speaking publicly um about organizing and unionizing the circus.
00:38:41
Speaker
You know, we speak about that all the time on the podcast and we do, and we continue to do what we can to support those efforts behind the scenes. If you are looking for support in that way, please DM me as many people do, and we will connect you with the resources that you need to help you be instrumental in supporting yourself in any way, shape or form. that that may show up for you in your environment but uh it works folks keep making the conversation go viral make these conversations go viral on the podcast help me and martin continue to bring you politically in circuses series we love it he's an awesome resource he's brilliant you're brilliant martin thank you so much for coming onto to the circus manure podcast uh again today i appreciate you and i love your perspective may i just underline
00:39:33
Speaker
the word you said, which is support. and Because to me, it is at the heart of the circus community. I do believe whenever it's like an Instagram post or whatever kind of social media thing, and then people are commenting, oh, I know X, it could be great. Or, hey, have you seen about, i do believe, or at a training studio, how someone will pass on the right material, like the right equipment. ah the tip about, oh, go and train with this guy, he will get you like... It really is. And we've seen like, what for instance, when when Ukraine, when the war started in Ukraine 2022, a lot of casting calls all of a sudden was Europeans.
00:40:19
Speaker
And if you're Ukrainian, we'll figure it out. So there, I do believe when it comes to circus, It's all about support. If we're all supporting one another, if we're all educating one another and passing on their knowledge, we're all going to be winners in the end.
00:40:41
Speaker
Yes. That's perfectly stated. And everyone, please like and subscribe to the comment to the podcast. Please comment on the podcast. It helps us to continue to bring you high-level content. and information that will support us all in supporting one another. That is the ethos of the podcast. And that is the ethos of, I think the circus arts, like what you were just saying, Martin, the Circuspreneur podcast is sponsored by stagelink.com and available on stagelink.com. Until next time, everyone, this is season six of the Circuspreneur podcast. We are now in 2026. Right? I know.
00:41:20
Speaker
Can't believe it myself. ah We're still going, still kicking, still producing circus content. And with my lovely co-host, Martin Frenette. And thank you everyone for tuning in. And we'll be back. See you on the next episode.