THE ARTS CAMPUS AT WILLITS

What THE ARTS CAMPUS AT WILLITS does

The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts center headquartered in Basalt, Colorado, in the mid-Roaring Fork Valley between Aspen and Carbondale. Founded in 2020 and opened in September 2021, the organization operates a 10,000-square-foot, net-zero energy facility featuring a 245-seat main performance hall. It serves a dual audience of local residents and regional visitors with a multi-disciplinary season that includes concerts, theater, dance, film, lectures, comedy, and family programming, alongside arts education offerings such as summer camps and youth initiatives.

The venue functions as a community-anchored programming hub rather than a technology platform; its core assets are the physical hall, an artist pipeline, and a partnership network exceeding 100 community organizations, including co-programming relationships with established institutions such as the Aspen Music Festival and Wheeler Opera House. Operations are supported by a 14-person staff and an 18-member board, with named corporate sponsors including First Bank, Alpine Bank, Alpenglow, and Steadman Clinic.

Revenue is generated through a diversified nonprofit model: ticket sales (priced $20–$65), memberships and individual donations, corporate sponsorships, event venue rentals, summer camp tuition, and employer partnership programs. An annual gala — now in its fourth year and described as record-setting — serves as a major fundraising vehicle, complementing recurring contributed-income streams.

Name

THE ARTS CAMPUS AT WILLITS

Legal name

The Arts Campus at Willits

Website

https://tacaw.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Nonprofit performing arts center in Basalt, Colorado, operating a 10,000 sq ft net-zero facility with a 245-seat hall, serving the mid-Roaring Fork Valley with concerts, theater, film, arts education, and community programming.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts Center

NAICS

Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (711110), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71), Fine Arts Schools (611610)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Performing Arts Centers & Presenters (Programming/Booking) (MPAGABAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Performing Arts & Cultural Event Venues (Theaters, Museums) (THAHAAAG), Arts Education & Community Arts Programs (BPAGAHAC)

Keywords

• Performing arts center
• Live event venue
• Event space rental
• Arts education programs
• Youth arts programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Basalt

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Primary revenue from ticket sales for performances, concerts, lectures, and events. Pricing varies by event with member discounts available.
2. Donations and Memberships: Nonprofit relies on donor support and membership program for operational funding. Members receive discounted tickets and exclusive benefits.
3. Event Rentals: 10,000-square-foot venue available for private events, fundraisers, corporate events, and meetings. Spaces include theater, lobby, outdoor areas, and meeting rooms.
4. Summer Camps and Education Programs: Revenue from summer arts camps for ages 6-18 including filmmaking, theater, and vocal programs, plus Youth Arts Pass program.
5. Employer Partnerships: City Market Giving program allows employees to donate to TACAW through workplace giving campaigns.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW) operates a 10,000-square-foot net-zero performing arts facility in Basalt, Colorado, presenting concerts, theater, dance, comedy, film screenings, and ideas-based lectures. The center also rents its theater, community room, amphitheater, and outdoor spaces for private events, corporate functions, and fundraisers, and runs youth-focused arts education programs including summer camps and a free Youth Arts Pass for 7th-12th graders.

Product overview

The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW) is a nonprofit performing arts center offering a single unified venue-based product: a 10,000-square-foot net-zero performing arts facility in Basalt, Colorado. The core offering consists of the venue and facility rental combined with curated performing arts programming including concerts, theater, dance, comedy, film screenings, and lectures. Supporting modules include youth education programs (Youth Arts Pass, summer camps, Bailey Shaw Internship Program, Arts Influencers leadership program), event rentals, membership, and the Concierge Ticket Service for personalized ticket gifting. The venue accommodates 245-400 guests depending on configuration, with adjacent spaces including the Alpine Bank Community Room, Alpenglow Foundation Amphitheater, and outdoor areas.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• TACAW Venue and Facility Rental A 10,000-square-foot net-zero performing arts venue in Basalt, CO offering flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for live performances, movie screenings, lectures, meetings, fundraisers, and private events. The theater accommodates 245 seated for concerts/lectures, 180 for cabaret, 160 for banquets, and 400 standing.
• Performing Arts Programming World-class performing arts, entertainment, and provocative programming celebrating collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. Includes music concerts, theater, dance, comedy, film screenings, and ideas-based lectures.
• Event Rentals Rental of TACAW's indoor and outdoor spaces for private events, fundraisers, corporate meetings, weddings, and special occasions with full production infrastructure support. Hourly and 24-hour rental options available.
• Summer Camps Performing arts summer camps for children ages 6-18 including filmmaking (Make Movie Magic with Aspen Film), theater (Breathe Bison Theater), and vocal training (Born to Rock Vocal Camp) held at the TACAW facility.
• Youth Arts Pass (YAP) Free program providing 7th through 12th graders in the Roaring Fork Valley access to age-appropriate TACAW events, with the ability to bring one guest. Funded by First Bank.
• Membership Program Year-round membership offering benefits including discounted tickets, exclusive access, and integration into the artistic community, with various membership tiers.
• Concierge Ticket Service Elevated ticket gifting service that provides two tickets to a performance of the recipient's choice, offering a personalized way to introduce or reward someone with a TACAW experience.
• Arts Influencers Leadership Program Leadership program for high school juniors and seniors focused on youth arts engagement and peer programming in the Roaring Fork Valley.
• Bailey Shaw Internship Program Summer internship program for high school and college-age youth interested in arts and nonprofits, providing hands-on experience, career development, and access to the arts community through Education and Performing Arts intern positions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Free tickets for 7th-12th graders through Youth Arts Pass program
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Dance AspencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerContemporary dance company established in 2021 that has performed at TACAW with open rehearsals and full productions. Partnership includes In Progress series allowing audiences to observe creative process.
• 5Point Adventure Film FestivalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdventure film festival providing programming content including summer film series and outdoor adventure documentaries.
• Aspen FilmcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Make Movie Magic summer camp teaching filmmaking to youth ages 10-13 with bilingual instruction.
• Aspen Music FestivalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor music festival partnership for classical and music programming across the valley.
• Wheeler Opera HousecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistoric Aspen venue partnership for performing arts programming and audience sharing.
• Jazz Aspen SnowmasscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJazz programming partnership including performances and jazz day celebrations.
• Challenge AspencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdaptive recreation nonprofit providing performance opportunities for people with disabilities including The Greatest Showman production.
• Aspen Art MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVisual arts partnership for cross-disciplinary programming and cultural exchange.
• Theatre AspenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTheater programming partnership for theatrical productions and performances.
• Basalt Schools (Elementary, Middle, High)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partnerships providing field trips, in-school workshops, and youth arts programming for Roaring Fork Valley schools.
• Roaring Fork School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDistrict-wide partnership for arts education including workshops, performances, and student programs.
• Theater MasterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudent playwright program giving voice to students in the Roaring Fork Valley through theater.
• Epicure CateringminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCulinary partnership for Supper Club dining experiences paired with performances.
• Best BuddiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFriendship Ball and programming for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• ManauscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEquity programming partnership for diverse and inclusive arts experiences.
• YouthZoneminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth services organization partnership for community programming.
• Buddy ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth mentorship organization partnership for community engagement.
• Aspen Public Radio (KDNK)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerRadio partnership for event promotion, interviews, and community outreach.
• Aspen TimesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partnership for press coverage and event promotion.
• Sopris SunminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal media partnership for press coverage and community news.
• Rocky Mountain InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSustainability think tank partnership for environmental programming and initiatives.
• EcoFlightminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental education partnership for adventure and outdoor programming.
• Aspen InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIdeas-based programming partnership including lectures and intellectual programming.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Regional players

• Breckenridge Music Festival: Regional nonprofit music presenter in another Colorado mountain community. Comparable community-arts nonprofit model with diverse programming and educational outreach in a similar resort-region market.
• Vail Dance Festival: Regional dance presenter operating in a comparable Colorado mountain-resort market. Comparable in programming scope (dance, music, community engagement) but operates seasonally rather than as a year-round venue.
• Jazz Aspen Snowmass: Regional nonprofit jazz presenter in the Roaring Fork Valley area, an active partner of TACAW. Comparable in mission (community-rooted performing arts) but operates through festivals rather than a fixed venue.

Direct peers

• Strathmore: Nonprofit performing arts venue in Bethesda, MD combining a main concert hall with education programming, member support, and a community-based mission. Closely aligned operating model to TACAW's venue-plus-education approach.
• National Sawdust: Nonprofit contemporary music venue and producer in Brooklyn, NY with a similar intimate-venue, curated programming, and donor-supported operating model. Comparable scale (single venue, small staff, mixed ticket/donation revenue).
• Wheeler Opera House: Historic nonprofit performing arts venue in Aspen, CO operating a comparable single-theater model with concerts, theater, film, and community programming. Same Roaring Fork Valley ecosystem and overlapping audiences and partners make it the closest direct peer.
• Theatre Aspen: Regional nonprofit theater company producing theatrical productions in the Aspen area. Active partner of TACAW with overlapping audiences, donor base, and programming slate, making it both collaborator and direct comparable.
• Anderson Ranch Arts Center: Nonprofit arts center in Snowmass Village, CO offering visual and performing arts programming, education, and exhibitions in a comparable valley-region nonprofit model with strong community integration.
• Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Nonprofit regional performing arts center presenting diverse programming (music, dance, theater, film) with educational programs and community partnerships. Closely comparable regional-venue nonprofit model at slightly larger scale.

Broad incumbents

• Aspen Music Festival and School: Major classical music festival and school based in Aspen, CO. Direct programming partner of TACAW and overlapping donor pool, but operates at significantly larger scale and prestige as a destination classical festival.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/TACAW_org
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCsLeDXlFuR4lj7uJ2t0bvJA
• Facebookfacebook.com/TACAW.org
• Instagraminstagram.com/tacaw_org
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-arts-campus-at-willits

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about THE ARTS CAMPUS AT WILLITS