Circus Oz is one of the nation's most significant enduring performing arts organisations. Founded out of an amalgamation of various performing arts groups throughout the late 1970s, Circus Oz has gone on to become an iconic cultural institution, recognised the world over. 

This book, set for release in August 2025, will cover the history of Circus Oz from the 1970s to today. Adapted from Dr Jesse Jensen-Kohl's PHD thesis, this story will delight circus-history enthusiasts and curious laypeople alike. 

Melbourne Books, who will be publishing this book, have previous published two significant historical reference works about circus in Australia: 'Circus: The Australian story' by Mark St Leon, and 'Captain Matchbox and Beyond: The music and mayhem of Mic and Jim Conway' by Catherine Fleming and John Tait. Both titles are available on the Melbourne Books website, or through the rewards voucher featured in this campaign. 

Contributions to this campaign will support the production of a full-colour photographic history of one of Australia's most significant performing arts companies. The 300-page book will be filled with interviews from influential members of Circus Oz, including Mic Conway, Sue Broadway, Laurel Frank, Robin Laurie, Jon Hawkes, Tim Coldwell and Jane Mullett, and contain photographs from critically aclaimed photographer and activist Ponch Hawkes. 

Funds will help Melbourne Books produce a gorgeous cultural artefact that lends the history of Circus Oz the care and prestige it deserves. Dontations will support a larger print run, full-colour printing and general production costs for a book of this size, contents, and historical significance.