Significance of Higher Educational Institutions as Cultural Intermediaries: The Case of the École nationale de cirque in Montreal, Canada

Rantisi N. M. and Leslie D. Significance of higher educational institutions as cultural intermediaries: the case of the École nationale de cirque in Montreal, Canada, Regional Studies . Over the last several decades, Montreal has built an international reputation as a 'circus city'. This reputation is tied to the tremendous success of Cirque du Soleil, but also related to the presence of a number of intermediaries in the city. This paper examines the role of one such intermediary - the École nationale de cirque (National Circus School). The National Circus School is one of the only schools in North America offering an accredited programme in circus arts. It is argued that the school plays an important role in the development of the local circus arts cluster and circus arts conventions by providing training and skill development, and by forging important networks. In particular, this paper examines how the school fosters 'know-how', 'know-who' and 'know-what'.