A circus carnival in Zeitz has made it to the European stage: “Big People” by Upsala-Circus is a finalist in the European Commission’s NEB_PRIZES 2026. Public voting is still open—and every vote counts.
Since 2018, Upsala-Circus has been working with children, teens, and families in Zeitz. As part of the "Big People" project, the circus troupe brought children out onto the streets: they trained, sewed costumes, and crafted their own statements—about their city, about their dreams, and about what matters to them. The carnival in Goethepark Zeitz became a gathering place for communities. The project was carried out in cooperation with the ZEKIWA Zeitz Real-World Lab.
On the EU platform, the project can be found under the title "Big people" in the category "Arts, Culture, and Heritage as Drivers of Change," Strand A Champions. The NEB_NETWORKING OFFICE Saxony-Anhalt supports the project and is delighted by this European recognition.
Here’s how public voting works—in three steps:
- Click "Vote Now", and enter your email address.
- 2. Open the confirmation email and follow the personalized link.
- Select the “Big People” project and confirm by clicking the final button—only then is your vote valid.
Each person may cast one vote, which can be split between up to two projects (one per strand).
The NEB_PRIZES honor projects across Europe that combine sustainability, inclusion, and design quality. In 2026, a total of 13 winning projects will be awarded up to 20,000 euros. The Public Vote Prize is decided by the public—including you.
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