This is part of an ongoing project to document in reportage drawings, writings, film, the current life of British circuses to raise awareness of the the travelling community and their theatrical art form. It adds to the historical dialogues of artists with circus artistes, and considers Curtis’s relationship with the circus communities who have accepted him into their own world. It considers his practice of drawing live in performance and also backstage. Art shows and a live street circus have raised public awareness with thousands of members of the public. In October 2016, FE students at UCA collaborated in drawing exercises at Moscow State Circus. This important project is being fully supported by British circuses and funded by The Hippodrome Circus, Great Yarmouth; Zippos Circus; Gandey’s Circus(Worldclass Entertainment ltd); Circus Zyair; Circus Pzaz. A visual output of published drawings has appeared in specialist circus magazine, King Pole (June 2016).

Catalogue introduction to the show:
Circus at the Circus! A celebration of British circuses.
In 2006, Brighton artist, Curtis Tappenden had a chance meeting with a third generation circus clown. He could hardly believe his eyes, fell over his feet, and at that moment, struck up a lifelong friendship and began to rekindle his childhood love for circus. In May 2016, having visited many touring shows and made hundreds of drawings live at the ringside, he proudly presents a selection of sketches in this unique exhibition- the first public showing. For Curtis, this is a special insight into the performing world a major International theatrical artform. All of the sketches are of his friends and their travelling tented world which continues to enthral audiences across the globe. This show focuses on the daring feats and life backstage of eight British circuses, currently touring the United Kingdom. Welcome to their world and enjoy the Greatest Show on earth!
Curtis Tappenden is an author, illustrator and teacher who lives locally. He has worked as an illustrator for the past 29 years drawing for magazines, books, advertising, newspapers & packaging. He is also an editorial artist at The Mail On Sunday newspaper, in London. Curtis frequently exhibits in galleries and shows throughout the country, and many paintings are in international collections. Over the past thirteen years he has written twenty-five books, penned numerous articles for the national art press, writes a column for the Sussex Newspaper and is now also writing for The Mail On Sunday travel section.
Curtis is a lecturer in Further Education/Pre-degree, Creative Writing at the University for the Creative Arts, Kent and Surrey. He visits art clubs around the UK with unconventional presentations and is a performance poet and painter.
Curtis has also worked and performed with comedian, Milton Jones and poet, John Hegley, and worked with Mr Fip’s Wonder Circus at Skegness in 2015. This will be the 23rd Open House he has hosted with his family and friends, and is a break from his acclaimed Wrong Side of the Tracks Clyde Road shows of previous years. Curtis is a founder member of the Beyond the Level open house trail.
Every other Wednesday evening at Moe’s Coffee House he hosts his popular drop-in drawing sessions for those who dare to believe they can draw, or wish to brush up on their skills.