About

The Arts Circus exists to encourage musical and artistic education and awareness, particularly, but not exclusively, in children and young adults. Currently, our core activities support the education and performance of the classical guitar in a variety of different settings.

The guitar is now one of the most popular instruments taught in the UK and for many children it is their first experience of learning a musical instrument, thereby introducing them not only to the guitar but the wider aspects of music in general.

For most children this is an opportunity to merge creativity with the discipline of leaning an instrument: key skills which will help them both socially and academically thoughout their lives.

A core activity of The Arts Circus is to promote ensemble playing. Currently there is very little opportunity for classical guitarists of all ages to benefit from the interaction and motivation of making music as a group. The Arts Circus has already established the World Youth Guitar Festival for children and Winchester Guitar Festival for adults, which are continuing to grow each year.

The World Youth Guitar Festival has proved so popular that The Arts Circus has launched two regional orchestras in London and Birmingham with plans for future expansion. This provides children who have already attained an intermediate standard with the opportunity of playing regularly under the direction of a top music conservatoire professor.

The Arts Circus prides itself on being able to encourage artistic development in those who have little, or no experience of the arts, whilst being able to inspire gifted youngsters to even greater creative achievements and experiences. We are also keenly aware that despite keeping fees to a minimum, some children will struggle to attend our events and so our Bursary Schemes are able to offer both partially and fully assisted places to those with financial need.

To nurture the skills for all these activities there is a need to help guitar teachers to provide stimulating lessons and workshops. Unfortunately, many teachers are very isolated and The Arts Circus intends to set up and provide a network with access to vital teaching materials, support from top professionals and opportunities to improve their own skills.