The All India Circus Fans’ Association was launched on Wednesday with the aim of seeking public support to solve problems faced by artistes and proprietors. The association also plans to help in the preservation and promotion of this fading form of entertainment, in the country.
Former MLA Ivan Nigli launched the association at a press meet here.
 Many circus companies have folded up in the last few years. Currently, there are 40 circus companies in India and there are no specialised institutions to train circus artistes in the country as many have shut shop, said Jumbo Circus partner Ashok Shankar.
The association plans to start an institute in KGF to train circus artistes and plans to approach the government for land for such an institute. We spend seven years on training each artiste, he added.
 The state governments should reserve centrally located areas in cities which are fast disappearing to encourage the art, said Ashok. AICFA will also address issues like-- difficulties of life after retirement of the artistes, which will inspire many more to take up the profession, said Mr Ivan.
The partners of Jumbo Circus also talked about the red tapism they are subjected to paying heft amounts to get No Objection certificated from cities like Bangalore while Mumbai was easier on their pockets. Jumbo Circus was denied permission for two years after which Mr Ivan took the issue to the assembly and obtained permission.