What is CLOWNVERGENCE?
Why CLOWNVERGENCE?
Clownvergence (April 9–12) is a 4-day online gathering with workshops, panels, Clown Cafés, carnival, open spaces, and more. It’s a space for clowns of all levels - from complete beginners to seasoned teachers - to come together in curiosity, to learn, share, connect, and unlearn.
This year we ask: What is our responsibility as humans, and as clowns, to each other, to Earth, to the more-than-human, and to the vast beyond?
In a world on fire with hubris and collapse, yet brimming with beauty and paradox, CLOWNVERGENCE invites us to remember that clowns have the skills we need to thrive in adversity: illuminating what isn’t working, revealing the absurdity of our systems, bringing joy and helping us laugh at our futile attempts to control life. Here, we gather in community to reclaim both our stupidity and our brilliance, and to cultivate a clown skills and perspective for navigating an unknown future.
The sessions will highlight the beautiful diversity of how clowning is being enacted: showcasing clowns from around the world, centering non-normative themes and approaches, and uplifting a wide range of subcultures. This diversity matters because it enables us to step beyond the binaries and dominant cultural norms, and imagine more collaborative ways of being together.
CLOWNVERGENCE is offered in the Spirit of Gift Culture.
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This means that the many people involved, including the speakers and panelists and organizing team, have generously gifted their time and energy to support this beautiful convergence of clowns.
You are invited to contribute what you can afford and offer the gifts, energies and resources you choose.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds!
Consider contributing MORE on the scale if you...
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have the ability to comfortably meet all of your basic needs
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belong to a sponsoring organization or are employed full-time
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have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited moneytravel recreationally
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have access to family money and resources in times of needwork part-time by choice
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own the home you live inhave a relatively high degree of earning power due to level of education (or gender and racial privilege, class background, etc.)
Consider contributing LESS on the scale if you...
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have difficulty covering basic expenses
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are supporting children or have other dependents
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have significant debt
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have medical expenses not covered by insurance
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are an elder with limited financial support
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are an unpaid community organizer
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have unstable housing and/or limited access to reliable transportation
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have not taken a vacation or time off due to the financial burden
This is based on the ‘Green Bottle’ sliding scale model by Alexis J. Cunningfolk
Note: all donations help to support the good work that Clown Spirit does throughout the year to unleash clowning into the world, support clown artists, teachers, and foster the perception of clowning as a critical practice in the world today.
Daily Schedule
On Thursday April 9 (Day 0) there will be an opening ceremony and other events 9am - 12.30pm EST
Click the arrows to toggle through days 1-3
The first and only online membership for clowns of all kinds
If you're wanting to up the ante on clowning in your life, whether as a developing performer or as a human called to clowning, CLOWN SPIRIT VILLAGE welcomes you to join the party. Maybe you're looking for regular access to expert teachers, stimulating ideas, powerful conversation, or simply a supportive and inspiring community, look no further. CLOWN SPIRIT VILLAGE is the first and only membership for clowns OF ALL KINDS.