The Dust Palace Charitable Trust
Supporting the future of circus in Tāmaki Makaurau
The Dust Palace Charitable Trust supports the development of the circus industry in Aotearoa. Growing circus as an art form, and increasing accessibility to the benefits of circus.
The charitable trust has existed for years, providing scholarships, subsidising shows and providing rehearsal space to professional artists at discounted rates. Occasionally the Charitable Trust has received funding but for the most part this work has been funded by the corporate arm of our company, the Dust Palace Productions. For a long time we’ve been our own main patron.
“2020 saw Covid wipe out all of our corporate income and, in doing so, exposed the vulnerability of our school and building.”
So, we’ve taken the time to properly restructure the way we are operating in order to create a sustainable home for circus in Auckland which can be resilient in changing times. Everything is now under the gentle wing of the Charity.
Our History
Original founded in 2013 by Andrew Clements and Eve Gordon, the Trust has always been aimed at providing assistance to circus, beyond just The Dust Palace as an entity.
In 2013 we first began a school in a warehouse space in Penrose, Tāmaki Makaurau. The school blossomed thanks to a student committee and regular student-led events, forming a wonderful, supportive and creative culture.
We were given a generous donation to begin the Scholarship Program in 2014 by philanthropists Adrian Burr and Peter Tatham. The program has been assisting youth with access to circus and into careers in circus ever since.
In 2019 we moved to a new, larger premises with better facilities for teaching and creating circus theatre.
In order to make the Charity robust we need to continue to build our small pool of donors pledging small monthly amounts; about $20-$30 per month, (the equivalent of a fancy coffee per week!). These donors are the “Pals of the Palace”. Many people makes for lighter lifting.
TDPCT CHARITIES NUMBER: CC50820
With the Pal’s generosity we can develop the sustainability of the Charity and keep the Dust Palace School and building open in perpetuity. To build the Pals we need everyone's help. If you’re able please consider emailing chairperson of the Trust Grae Burton via kiaora@thedustpalace.co.nz
Our specific goals are:
• 14 scholarship students will get free circus for a year;
• All venue hire to other arts companies will be subsidised heavily (or will become entirely free);
• Upskilling will be available for all in the form of the trust funding visits from international trainers;
• Improved health and safety as gear will be more readily able to be upgraded and replaced;
• The long term sustainability of the Dust Palace School will be possible through paid full-time positions.
THE DUST PALACE CHARITABLE TRUSTS PURPOSES:
Ensure te Tiriti o Waitangi is upheld in all actions and relationships
Be an exemplary organisation within the circus sector in leadership, process and embodiment of cultural practice, protocol and safety.
Empower indigenous people and people of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds within Tāmaki Makaurau to become a substantial presence in the future of circus.
Developing access, inclusion and pathways for indigenous people and people of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds of Tāmaki Makaurau within circus.
Develop and advocate for an intersectional approach to all aspects of circus culture in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Up-skilling Circus Practitioners in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland
Making circus in Tāmaki Makaurau of an international standard that can be toured nationally and internationally
Supporting Circus Theatre
Raising money for circus theatre productions
Supporting persons working in this field
Supporting Circus Facilities and Learning in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland
Raising funds for circus training at both professional and community levels
- Running and maintaining the highest quality facilities and learning for circus in Tāmaki Makaurau