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 provides scholarships and subsidises shows, rehearsal and training space for professional artists. It also delivers Te Kura Maninirau, Aotearoa’s first kaupapa Māori circus school. Te Kura Maninirau exists to make circus arts approachable for tangata whenua through a kaupapa Māori pedagogy.
“The Dust Palace Charitable Trust supports the next generation to grow through the joy of circus”
With the support of our funders and supporters, we can continue to invest in the development and wellbeing of our young people, inspiring the next generation of leaders and circus artists.
Our History
Original founded in 2013 by Andrew Clements and Eve Gordon, the Trust has always been aimed at investing in the next generation of circus participants and artists.
Our research shows that circus participation for young people improves their social, physical and emotional wellbeing. We have become a welcoming home for a wide range of students including girls, the rainbow community and those with neurodivergence.
In 2013 we first began a school in a warehouse space in Penrose, Tāmaki Makaurau and our Scholarship Program began in 2014, supporting the development of artists.
In 2023 we founded Te Kura Maninirau in partnership with Te Pou Theatre and in 2025 we founded Ellerslie Arts, Home of the Dust Palace, a multi-use circus and community arts space in the heart of Ellerslie.
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 coffee per week!). These donors are the “Pals of the Palace”.
Many people makes for lighter lifting.
TDPCT CHARITIES NUMBER: CC50820
With our funders and 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 are interested in supporting us further, you can contact chairperson of the Trust Grae Burton via chair@thedustpalace.co.nz
Annual Reports
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Annual Reports 〰️
Learn more about the Dust Palace activity and impact via our annual reports:
Our specific goals are:
• 14 scholarship students will get free circus for a year;
• Te Kura Maninirau will provide koha-based classes to 60 students each week in two Auckland locations
• 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;
• Regular activations and workshops at community events will reach upwards of 1000 young people per year
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