Astrid Cats appointed director-director of Festival Circolo

We are very pleased to introduce you to our new managing director: Astrid Cats. After years of inspiring and dedicated leadership, Marc Eysink Smeets is handing over the baton to a new generation.

Astrid brings a wealth of experience from the cultural sector. For example, she was director of the Temporary Art Centre (TAC) in Eindhoven until 2023. Most recently, she held the role of director at Studio Assisië in Biezenmortel and was business director at Tilt in Tilburg. With her heart for art and her sharp business eye, Astrid is a valuable asset to Festival Circolo and to the Dutch circus landscape.

Jolanda Spoel, chairman of the Supervisory Board, adds:

"We believe we have found in Astrid Cats an inspirer and connector pur sang, who also has the right managerial experience and vision to further develop the festival.

This makes her a worthy successor to Marc Eysink Smeets, whose vision and great commitment developed Festival Circolo into the leading circus festival it is today.

And we look forward to entering a new phase with Astrid and team and continuing to build the festival." 
Astrid Cats on her new role:

"Circus makes the unimaginable possible: magical, fantastic, palpable and close. 

Festival Circolo offers makers, audiences and partners space to discover together what is, and what can be. With play and guts. With palpable local impact, with international allure. 

The way Circolo brings people and themes together captures the imagination. I am honoured to continue shaping this unique organisation and festival with the team and partners, as a playground full of new possibilities."

From 1 August, Astrid Cats takes office as Festival Circolo's new director-director. Around the festival of 2025, current director Marc will make her way within the organisation and the circus field.