For the 2026 edition of the Labo Pro, Rotondes and the Ghent-based company Cirq are bringing together participants from as many different fields as possible – architecture, theatre, performance, scenography, the social sector, and more for a very special workshop. Following Cirq’s unique approach, which draws inspiration from popular culture, folklore, and traditional celebrations, participants will use their own local knowledge to develop ideas and concepts inspired by real places and situations.
Known for its offbeat, humorous interactive installations, Cirq also works closely with a wide range of communities (from refugees to older residents) to rethink what a festival can be for them. Collectively, they create immersive, playful experiences that bring people together in unexpected ways. The outcomes are always different: sometimes a performance, sometimes an installation, sometimes an entire festival.
Over three days, this training in ‘upcycling of popular culture’ will encourage participants to look closely at their surroundings, the people who live there, and the needs that may connect them. Together, they’ll explore what it takes to initiate and sustain this kind of shared project – always adding a pinch of the essential ingredient in any lasting collaboration: a good sense of humour.