The Circus Substation

Our new home, the Circus Substation, is open!

For almost 30 years, we have empowered children and youth to grow into strong fearless leaders through our classes and outreach programs, and since 2017, we have operated out of a temporary Big Top tent in central Fremantle.

At the end of 2025, we took the next bold step to establish a permanent home for youth and circus artists in Fremantle. In doing so, we will be in a stronger position to expand access to inclusive arts programs that support young people to build confidence, creativity, and connection, and create thriving communities.

In April 2026, construction was complete to reconceptualise the Freo Big Top into an old electrical Substation.

Built in 1932, the old SEC Substation at 10 Parry Street powered Fremantle’s electric trams for 20 years before becoming the World of Energy Museum. Having stood empty since 2008, we are thrilled to embark on a pioneering partnership with Fremantle Press by co-purchasing the building and re-energise it as a new hub of creative activity.

The Circus Substation is a home for our transformative Programs supporting young people with disability, Aboriginal Youth and our performing Academy to thrive.

It will unlock growth in our programming, artist support, and sustainability for the future.

It will bring about greater visibility not only for CircusWA but for the whole of the state’s circus training industry, and create a landmark place for national and international circus artists to train in Perth.

This is the biggest and most exciting initiative in CircusWA’s history. If you believe in our mission to enable creative and personal potential and deliver social inclusion for all young people through the arts, we would love hear from you – your investment will make real and lasting impact on the confidence, resilience and creativity for generations of children.

We are grateful for the funding and support this project has received which makes it possible.