August 25, 2024

#212 'Leading the social circus movement Downunder, from Germany to New Zealand', Thomas Hinz founder & CEO Circability Trust

1 hour 10 minutes

Welcoming Thomas Hinz, founder and CEO of Circability Trust, to Purposely Podcast where he shares their mission and his founder journey.

Thomas Hinz's journey to founding Circability Trust is fascinating, born in Rostock, East Germany, Thomas grew up in a town where the circus was a constant presence. A large touring circus and a smaller community circus tent

were fixtures in the central park, sparking young Thomas's imagination and leaving a lasting impression.

Despite this early fascination, Thomas's journey to the

world of social circus was far from direct. After school, he pursued an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner, working in factories. However, he always

felt a pull towards more creative pursuits and a desire to help others. This led him to work with people with disabilities, where he found a profound connection and a calling to make a difference.

In the late 1980s, Thomas studied Rehabilitative Pedagogy in Berlin. Following the reunification of Germany, he saw an opportunity to address the severe lack of resources and support for people with disabilities in his hometown. Together with friends and colleagues, he founded a trust that offered a wide range of activities, from sports to music, art, and theatre. It was through this work that Thomas rediscovered circus as a powerful tool for

social change.

In 1995, Thomas set up 'Circus Fantasia'™ in Rostock,

complete with its own circus tent. This project combined his passion for circus arts with his commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. The circus became a

place where people of all abilities could come together, learn new skills, and showcase their talents to the community.

Thomas's journey eventually led him to New Zealand, where he founded Circus Kumarani in Dargaville in 2003. Building on his experiences in Germany, he has spent the last two decades developing and promoting community

circus throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. His efforts culminated in the establishment of Circability Trust, an organisation dedicated to using social circus as a tool for personal growth, social inclusion, and community building.

Circability Trust's mission is encapsulated in its vision:

"All ages, all abilities, all cultures - better together." The

organisation delivers classes, workshops, and community events that use circus arts to develop personal confidence, physical and emotional literacy, and

overall wellbeing. Circability's programmes are designed to be inclusive, welcoming participants of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds.

One of the trust's key focus areas is developing inclusion

programmes for people with disabilities, creating pathways for creative career employment options. Their work has been recognised through Arts Access

Aotearoa's Creative Spaces Excellence and Partnership Awards, highlighting the impact and quality of their initiatives.

At the heart of Circability's approach is the emphasis on

collaborative processes. They strive to create safe spaces where inclusive social circus arts practices can flourish in diverse communities. This methodology not only benefits the participants but also contributes to broader

social change by challenging perceptions and breaking down barriers.

Thomas Hinz's journey from a curious child in East Germany to the founder of a transformative social circus organisation in New Zealand is a testament to the power of following one's passion and commitment to social

good. Through Circability Trust, he continues to spread the magic of circus, proving that when people of all abilities come together, extraordinary things

can happen.

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By Mark Longbottom