JOIN OUR CIRCUS COMMUNITY!
The American Youth Circus Organization (AYCO) is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The American Circus Educators Association (ACE) is a branch of AYCO.
Photo from AYCOfest 2019 at San Diego Circus Center, Circus Runway Photography
Our MISSION
Our mission is to promote the participation of youth in circus arts and support circus educators.
AYCOfest / edcon
On alternating years, AYCO/ACE organizes the American Youth Circus Festival and Educators Conference across the nation.
ACE SAfety Network
The ACE Safety Program is a consultation process with industry experts to help your program or school better manage the inherent risks associated with circus arts.
networking forums & community marketplace
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Social Circus Connection call
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ACE Discussion
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Director's Roundtable
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member offerings, Perks & Vendors
Latest news
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Latest news *
In Fall 2025 the Safety Committee of the American Youth Circus Organization / American Circus Educators Association wanted to learn what the community was thinking about the state of safety in circus arts education. We were interested in using the results to reframe our role in AYCO/ACE. We put together a survey, and are thankful to the more than 50 people who took the time to share their reflections and ideas. Thanks to them, we have a snapshot of what matters to you in circus education.
HERE are the results that we compiled. Please note that these are only survey results, and while they do include suggestions for how the Safety Committee moves forward, we are still planning how we, a small group of volunteers, can best do so. We do know that as a group we are committed to continuing to help make circus arts education as safe as possible.
Results of Survey Organized by AYCO/Ace Safety Committee - fall 2025
The Circus International Film Festival. Founded in 2020, CIFF is a unique celebration of circus arts and filmmaking, and has grown to become an international platform for honoring and elevating the stories of circus artists and filmmakers from diverse backgrounds.
Got an idea for a circus film… don’t delay, put your ideas onto the screen and submit it!
Circus International Film Festival
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