10 February 2026, 10.00 - 11.30 CET
Questions of animal welfare are an important part of discussions around the safeguarding of living heritage, given that many traditions, practices and forms of craftsmanship involve animals in various ways. As part of the ENFP’s thematic series on ethics in the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, a session was dedicated to exploring these issues and the ethical challenges they may raise. This upcoming online exchange will build on this broader reflection, by focusing specifically on circus heritage. It will provide a space to continue discussing how animal welfare is addressed in different national contexts.
In Flanders, the circus community is currently working on a file towards the Inventory of Intangible cultural heritage in Flanders. Within this process, animal welfare has emerged as an important point of attention. CEMPER (Centre for Music and Performance Arts Heritage in Flanders) is following up the broader circus trajectory, while CAG (Centre for Agrarian History, centre of expertise of heritage of agriculture, food and rural life and ‘contactpoint’ for ICH & animals) will organise a dedicated working session in March 2026 with the involved communities and stakeholders around this topic.
As this topic resonates across Europe, we would like to hear how similar questions are addressed in other countries. We therefore want to organise an informal online exchange session open to all interested focal points and colleagues.
This is not the start of an international nomination or shared dossier – the goal is simply to learn from one another. As was done during the thematic sessions Ethics in the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, including Animal welfare and nature-based practices.
During the exchange, we hope to share experiences on: legal frameworks, ethical considerations, recurring challenges, good practices, pitfalls and lessons learned.
If you’re interested to share experiences, to learn and discuss in an open, informal and save setting, please note 10 February 2026 (10h-11h30 CET) in your calendar and send an email to chantal.bisschop@cagnet.be to receive the link to join online.
We look forward to exchanging with you.
Chantal Bisschop (CAG), Mieke Witkamp (CEMPER)
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- © Musée d’Orsay, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais / Patrice Schmidt
Georges Seurat. Le Cirque (The Circus). 1891. Oil on canvas, Musée d’Orsay.
