Circus Farfalle brings people together
Conducting neighbourhood research? A creative, low-threshold activity is a great way to bring residents together. At the Vlinderflats in Tongelre, Circus Farfalle arrived – complete with a tent, performers, curious animals, musicians, ice cream, and a real live show. At the same time, local residents were engaged in conversations about how they experience living in the area. A treasure trove of information for the partners involved.
Plenty of fun and a wealth of insights
What do you think of your neighbourhood? Do you enjoy living there? Is there much social contact? Do you know where to turn for help if you need it? Are there activities you miss, and would you perhaps like to get involved yourself? These were the questions at the heart of a large-scale network and needs assessment among residents of the Vlinderflats in Tongelre – aimed at gauging the ‘emotional temperature’ of the neighbourhood. A needs assessment might sound a bit serious and dull, but the Circus Farfalle concept was anything but a standard survey.
Combining the useful and the enjoyable
With Circus Farfalle, we combined the useful with the delightful: we gathered valuable information in a way that surprised, intrigued, inspired, and brought people together. For an entire weekend, the public space around the flats was transformed into a circus ring. With a grand big top, circus performers, extraordinary animals, musicians, ice cream, and a real circus show on Sunday afternoon. Glorious weather, a relaxed atmosphere, an impressive turnout and countless new connections made it a very special weekend.
And those circus performers? They were a rather unique group of professionals: between their acts, they engaged in conversations with residents – at the doorstep, on the green, and in the circus tent. Using a cheerful, creative ‘menu card’, they gathered a wide range of information about life in the Vlinderflats. This input now supports local professionals in shaping their efforts in the area.
What stood out? For one, the very high level of satisfaction with the living environment, and an almost unanimous call for more activities for children. With thanks to Gemeente Eindhoven, Woonbedrijf, Wij Eindhoven/Buurt in Bloei, Lunet Zorg, Politie Eindhoven and all the fantastic circus artists, musicians, creatives and performers.
Photography: Bob Alisic, Karin Louwers and Aleks Veldhoen.
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