About Us
History of Our Citizenship Action
In the past when the circus arrived in town local citizens eagerly joined in raising the Big Top and street artists always sought to forge links with their audiences. And, as modern as it is, Cirque du Soleil still draws on that long tradition by seeking to create bonds with all the communities where it performs.
From the earliest days the band of street performers who would go on to found Cirque had to grab and keep the attention of the public. And when in 1982 they created Cirque's immediate predecessor, la Fête foraine de Baie-Saint-Paul, they reached out to create strong links with the surrounding community to gain local support for their project.
The fledgling Cirque undertook its first tour in Quebec in 1984, as part of the celebrations to mark the 450th anniversary of the arrival of Jacques Cartier. The company reached out to find partners in every community it visited, and Cirque still regards links with the community as a priority; the advance work with local public services takes place months before the company arrives.
Locating Cirque's International Headquarters in the St-Michel district of Montreal reflects the same policy. Long before the first shovel broke ground Cirque took the time to position itself as a citizen of the community and, among other measures, entered into a dialogue with representatives of the local community.
Cirque du Soleil's social action is an extension of this commitment. Cirque du Soleil and it’s Founder have elected to give an amount equivalent to 1% of Cirque du Soleil earnings to various cultural and social action programs managed by Cirque, as well as to the ONE DROP Foundation. More recently, Cirque du Soleil adopted a proactive environmental policy based on sustainable development as well as a responsible procurement policy. Cirque is not only looking for ways to balance its economic, social and environmental interests, but is also developing original and innovative ways to transform the world.