Why does Canopy need a new building now?
Our community has grown steadily for over 20 years—and our building simply can’t keep up. If you’ve been in our space recently, you already know:
- Classes are often at full capacity
- Students want to train more frequently than our schedule allows
- Intro classes fill quickly because we can only run one per week
- Audiences are squeezed into tight viewing areas
- Shared spaces limit the types of programming we can offer
We are not growing just for the sake of growth. We are expanding because our current, loyal student community deserves better—and because the demand for accessible, high-quality aerial instruction has outpaced our physical space.
Building a new home allows us to:
- Improve the experience for our current students
- Welcome new students with reasonable waitlists and class availability
- Offer cross-training, partner acrobatics, ground circus arts, and other new disciplines
- Continue leading the field of recreational aerial arts and multidisciplinary performance
Canopy has become a nationally-recognized leader in aerial dance and community arts. It’s time for a facility that reflects the excellence of our programming and the vibrancy of our community.
How can I donate?
Canopy us asking for financial donations, and we welcome planned giving donations, as well. Sharing our story with friends and family and making those connections with our board of directors and executive director. All donations – big or small – are humbly accepted.
Where will the new building be located?
The new studio will be located at 150 Ware Street.
The new facility is approximately one mile from our current home, closer to downtown, and on the edge of the Boulevard neighborhood. The site is walkable for many current students and strategically positioned for expanding partnerships.
How many aerial points and poles will the new building have?
The new facility is purpose-designed to support our current programs and long-term growth. Plans include:
- Two separate high-ceiling aerial studios—each similar in size to our current main space
- A central performance zone with a 30-ft peak height
- Perimeter points matching our current teaching height
- A dedicated pole studio, with pole capacity doubled
- Rigging designed so poles can be easily swapped for lyra, slings, and yoga hammocks
- Potential for a fourth multi-use studio as part of Phase 2 development, envisioned for:
- Art space for camps
- Meetings and workshops
- Costume and equipment work
- Collaboration space for visiting artists
This facility is designed to support the next generation of aerialists, performers, and creative community members.
Will there be opportunities for naming rights?
Yes! Several opportunites both large and small are available if you’d like to ensure a lasting legacy. You can find more information through the Imagine More Naming Rights page.
What happened to the money I already donated to the previous capital campaign?
Funds previously donated and earmarked for the capital campaign have been carefully stewarded over the last five years. This early support created the foundation that allowed us to move forward with architectural planning, structural engineering, and the pre-construction work required to reach this public phase of the campaign.
Your contributions ensured that Canopy could do the behind-the-scenes groundwork necessary for responsible, realistic long-term planning.
Why was there a delay in launching the capital campaign?
We originally began a capital campaign in February 2020—and then the world changed. Throughout the past five years, our board of directors and staff prioritized stabilizing the organization, strengthening our financial health, and building the leadership capacity required for a project of this scale.
During this time, we:
- Grew our staff and leadership
- Expanded community partnerships
- Strengthened operational systems
- Ensured our programming remained robust and accessible
This intentional preparation means that the Canopy you know today is strong, resilient, and ready to take this next step confidently.
What happened to the Water Tower property?
The Water Tower property remains within the Canopy family and continues to have long-term potential. However, when we began working with architects, engineers, and the City, we learned that building our dream facility on that site was not feasible until significant development occurs along the North Chase corridor.
While the Water Tower property is still meaningful to us, it does not meet our immediate needs for safety, accessibility, and growth. Our new location provides the stability and functionality our community requires right now.