Contemporary Clowning Projects is an organisation with a passion for the art form of clowning and an obsession for promoting the work of clowns in the UK and beyond. Set up in 2000 as a partnership between Angela de Castro and Catherine Bewley, Contemporary Clowning Projects promotes and manages a range of clowning projects. Some concern the work of de Castro herself; others are for the public benefit of clowns and audiences. One of CCP’s projects is The Why Not Institute, a unique centre for research, support and training for clowns.

Contemporary Clowning Projects promotes performance, production and projects by and with clowns, focusing on theatre clowning and theatre traditions. We are also dedicated to an exploration of the process and effect of the state of clowning on creativity and effectiveness for people in business, education and many other walks of life.

Despite a long and honourable tradition of clowning in this country, it is still a misunderstood and undervalued art form. The art of clowning is one of the greatest and most difficult of them all. Clowning is about communicating truth in its purest, rawest form. It demands great courage and discipline from the performer, yet reaches out with simplicity to engage the audience.

Contemporary Clowning Projects seeks to validate, celebrate, investigate, develop and reclaim recognition for Clowning. We aim to:

• provide wider opportunities for people to access and enjoy the work of a wider range of clowns and clowning
• change public and ‘arts industry’ perceptions about clowning and to promote the status of clowns within the industry
• promote high standards of challenging, innovative clowning in the UK
• undertake serious, in-depth research into the use of the state of clowning in business, education, theatre and many other walks of life
• develop a network of peers for clowns, for mutual support, research, training and personal development
• provide opportunities for new and less established clowns to develop their work and find the necessary support to keep going on this difficult path
• support the development of new projects by high profile clowns, such as Angela de Castro
• make links between audiences and professionals in the UK and internationally and act as a networking point for clowns across the world