The Impact of new circus theatre festivals on urban and community development: Audience Research of Carnaval Sztukmistrzów in Lublin
How does Carnaval Sztukmistrzów transform Lublin and its people? As the largest festival of street and circus arts in Poland, its influence stretches far beyond the performances themselves. We want to look behind the curtain to understand how this event shapes our city and its residents.
Our investigation began in 2017 with an extensive audience survey, which we repeated in 2023 to track shifts in data. This year, we are taking a more personal approach: conducting in-depth interviews to capture the lived experiences and stories of those who make the Carnaval what it is.
Why Do We Measure “Magic”?
While economic indicators and social integration are important, our primary interest lies in the impact on hearts and minds. We believe culture possesses a unique power to shift perspectives and ignite new emotions. We are specifically exploring:
The Aesthetic Experience: How the spectacle of the “new circus” changes our sensory perception of the city.
The Cognitive Experience: How these performances challenge our understanding of what is possible.
What We Are Discovering
The final report will provide a comprehensive look at:
The Post-Crisis Audience: How the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have redefined our expectations and needs for public festivals.
Emotional Connectivity: The specific feelings evoked by the festival and how they influence our relationships with others.
Urban Vitality: The tangible and intangible ways the festival feeds the local economy and social fabric.
The Purpose of the Study
These results are not just for the archives; they are a roadmap for the future. By understanding our audience, we can better design cultural events that promote the core values of art—enriching lives, stimulating imagination, and projecting new possibilities for our community.
PROJECT NAME: The Impact of New Circus Theater Festivals on Urban and Community Development
Financed by the European Union – NextGenerationEU – National Recovery Plan (KPO) for Culture.