Who are we?
We are the NGO of the performing arts
Laughter as a weapon of mass construction
We work to improve the emotional situation of children who suffer the consequences of armed conflicts and/or natural disasters through the performing arts, especially laughter.
The laughter
Laughter relieves the symptoms of post-traumatic stress, generates moments of joy that comfort, and promotes solidarity and a sense of community.
Love
The artists of Clowns Without Borders spread love with our shows, generating positive emotions in the audience and sharing joy and hope.
The Cure
Our goal is to heal hearts, build resilience, and bring emotional support to children who have suffered situations of violence or catastrophe.
The world
We work where we are needed most: in more than 30 years, the artists of Clowns Without Borders have visited more than 65 countries on 4 continents.
Fire
We are people who act with passion for what we do, going to conflict areas or areas of high vulnerability.
We think big
That all children affected by armed conflicts or natural disasters in the world can laugh and enjoy joy, with the mental health benefits that this entails.
We are driven by ethics
Clowns Without Borders is constituted as an association and we are governed by the following values and ethical principles.
RESPECT
The activities of Clowns Without Borders are carried out respecting the cultures, beliefs, and contexts in which our audience lives, without imposing criteria, ideas, or points of view. We act in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and without any discrimination based on origin, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, ideals, culture, or socio-economic status.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
Anyone is welcome to participate in our activities in any role regardless of origin, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, culture, or socioeconomic status. We value diversity* and include people with diverse abilities.
ETHICAL FINANCING
We monitor the ethical values of our counterparts and donors, and we do not accept donations from companies or administrations that do not respect human rights.
TRANSPARENCY
We value transparency and are publicly accountable for our actions and projects.
FREE
Shows are the main activity of Clowns Without Borders and their interventions will always be free for the public in the projects.
Volunteering
The professional artists participate voluntarily and without receiving financial compensation outside their country.
*Diversity (including, but not limited to) age, gender, marital or civil union status, disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, socioeconomic status, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation.
PERFORMING ARTS PROFESSIONALS
Our artists are passionate professionals who volunteer their time and talents to bring joy to those who need it most. Their volunteer work is essential to create moments of happiness in difficult environments.
A professional approach to every performance.
Each artist brings their experience and skills to ensure a quality show.
A show created for every situation.
Committed to co-creation and adaptation to the place and people to which it is addressed.
Collaboration between artists.
We foster an environment of cultural and professional exchange between artists of different nationalities.
Our Team
Behind every laugh we bring to the world, there is a committed team of professional artists who make our mission possible. Our board of directors, as the visible face of Clowns Without Borders, makes decisions in assembly. Get to know us a little more!
Jaume
Mateu Bullich
Founder and President
(Barcelona, 1955)
Montserrat
Trias Muñoz
Founder and Secretary
(Barcelona, 1956)
Josep
Callau Quius
Treasurer and Board Member
(Manresa, 1968)
Donald
B Lehn
Honorary President
and Board Member
(New York, 1952)
Luara
Mateu Trias
Board Member
(Barcelona, 1997)
Anna
Montserrat Boada
Board Member
(Barcelona, 1964)
Ignacio
Morán Seijas
Board Member
(Astorga, 1979)
Pepe
Viyuela
Board Member
(Logroño, 1963)
Ajuntament Masies de Voltregà (Barcelona) // Aula d’Extensió Universitària de Rubí // Ayuntamiento Ametlla del Valles (Barcelona) // Ayuntamiento de Benatae (Jaen) // Ayuntamiento de Villanueva de la Serena (Badajoz) // Benevity // Cadena Ser // Charlatana // CIL Logística // Eventos Infima, S.L // Fundació MAP // Fundació Vallès Oriental // Lucas Escobedo // Unidad de Trauma, Crisis y Conflictos de la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona
“When two people laugh together, they cease to be enemies. For a moment, differences, barriers and the past disappear.”
Ana Motta
Kosovo 2024
