When we talk about education, it’s not just about knowledge— it’s about building relationships, fostering respect, and creating environments where everyone feels safe to thrive. The “Consent Workshops for Circus Educators” project by The Dust Palace Charitable Trust embodies these principles, delivering a profound impact on the circus community in Aotearoa while addressing key priorities of New Zealand’s Tertiary Education Strategy.

This wasn’t just a project; it was a kaupapa—a mission to uplift, educate, and inspire a culture of consent, safety, and well-being in a sector where physical interaction is central to the craft. The results speak for themselves: empowered educators, stronger communities, and a clear pathway for lasting change.

Consent is the heart of safe and respectful teaching, especially in circus arts, where close physical contact and collaboration are part of the craft. It’s more than a box to tick—it’s about creating environments where learners feel empowered to set boundaries, where educators navigate power dynamics with care, and where trust and accountability are woven into every interaction. By embedding consent practices, educators not only foster safer, trauma-sensitive spaces but also enrich learning experiences, ensuring that respect and well-being remain at the centre of their teaching.

Educators left these workshops with more than just knowledge—they gained new ways to connect with their students, set boundaries, and create safer spaces. For many, this was the first time they’d been given structured guidance on embedding consent into their teaching. It wasn’t about starting from scratch but about reinforcing the good mahi already happening in the sector and pushing it to the next level.

At its heart, this project was about empowering the people at the frontlines—those who shape the experiences of learners every day.

The workshops provided educators with:

• Clear strategies for establishing consent in physical interactions.
• Trauma-informed approaches to teaching, ensuring inclusivity and sensitivity to learners’ diverse experiences.
• Resources and ongoing support to make consent practices sustainable and adaptable.

These tools weren’t theoretical—they were tested, refined, and grounded in the realities of teaching circus arts in Aotearoa. The result? Educators felt equipped and ready to make meaningful changes in their practice.

Culture doesn’t change overnight, but it starts with conversations, actions, and leadership. These workshops sparked that shift within the circus industry, encouraging open dialogue about consent and creating a sense of shared responsibility for learner well-being.

One of the most powerful aspects of this project was its focus on community. The workshops didn’t just deliver information; they created spaces where educators could connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. This collective approach strengthened bonds within the sector and set the stage for long-term cultural change.

No kaupapa worth pursuing comes without challenges, and this project was no exception. Yet, The Dust Palace Charitable Trust showed incredible adaptability and commitment to getting it right. For instance:

• Time and Development: The initial 240-hour allocation for development quickly doubled as the team prioritised nationwide consultation. While this added to the workload, it ensured the workshops truly reflected the needs and aspirations of the circus community.
• Evolving Workshop Structure: Feedback from prototype workshops led to a redesign, interweaving activities and discussions throughout the session rather than separating them. This made the workshops more dynamic, engaging, and impactful.
• Compensating Educators: With additional funding, the Trust ensured that participants’ time and expertise were valued, recognising their role in shaping the future of the sector. These adjustments weren’t just practical—they reflected a deep respect for the people involved and a commitment to delivering something truly transformative.

A total of 253 circus educators across Aotearoa took part in the “Consent Workshops for Circus Educators,” reflecting incredible reach and engagement within the community. Initially, it was estimated there were around 280 circus educators, but through the project, this was revised to 345—a testament to the growing recognition of this vital mahi. Impressively, the workshops reached 87.5% of this updated total, demonstrating widespread commitment to embedding consent practices across the sector. Even more encouraging, 237 attendees provided feedback, showing not only strong participation but a deep engagement with the kaupapa and its life-changing potential.

If you want to create real change, you need to start by reflecting the communities you serve. This project embraced that challenge, with its development team representing diverse voices from across Aotearoa:

• 35% Queer/Takatāpui
• 23% Māori
• 25% Neuro-diverse

These perspectives weren’t just tokenistic—they shaped the workshops, ensuring they were inclusive, culturally responsive, and relevant. This diversity strengthened the kaupapa, making the training richer and more meaningful for everyone involved.

The Tertiary Education Strategy calls for education to be learner-centred, culturally responsive, and future-focused.

This project hit those priorities head-on:

• Learner Well-Being: By embedding consent practices, the workshops created safer learning environments, prioritising the emotional and physical safety of students.
• Cultural Responsiveness: The inclusion of Māori, queer/takatāpui, and neuro-diverse voices ensured the workshops reflected the richness of Aotearoa’s communities.
• Sustainability: Designed to be repeatable and adaptable, these workshops set a precedent for consent training not just in circus arts but in other sectors like dance and gymnastics.
• Innovation: This was the first initiative of its kind in the circus industry, addressing an unmet need with creativity and vision.

The impact of this project doesn’t end with the final workshop. The Dust Palace Charitable Trust has ensured its sustainability by creating resources that educators can use for years to come. The workshops have already sparked interest from other sectors, and there’s no doubt this model will continue to influence education across creative and physical disciplines.

This project wasn’t just about teaching consent—it was about embodying it, weaving it into the very fabric of the circus community in Aotearoa. By doing so, it has set a new standard for what it means to teach, lead, and learn.

The “Consent Workshops for Circus Educators” remind us of the power of education to shape not just individuals but entire communities. It’s a challenge to all of us—to keep learning, keep adapting, and keep striving for environments where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered.

Because when we build a culture of consent, we’re not just protecting people—we’re creating spaces where they can truly soar.

The Dust Palace Charitable Trust was a recipient of an Innovation Professional Development Grant.