Open Aerial is a not for profit organisation, set up to bring the benefits of aerial to all, including those who might not usually get the opportunity. We partner with SEN schools, disabled organisations and community organisations to deliver the best possible sessions to our community.
Open Aerial works closely with our parent company - Flying Fantastic - and shares many core values and principles, notably around making aerial accessible and enjoyable for all.
Flying Fantastic was set up in 2011, with the sole aim of breaking down the barriers that surround circus arts, and delivering accessible and enjoyable aerial classes to adults and children from 6 months to 106 years!
Open Aerial was set up in 2018 to spread the aerial net further still, reaching those harder to reach organisations who might not otherwise get to experience the thrill of running away to the circus - but making sure they're home again in time for tea!
INCLUSIVITY
Open Aerial prides itself in being a welcoming space, from beginners to professionals – and everyone in between. This is a space for all!
ACCESSIBILITY
We believe everyone could benefit from a bit of circus in their life, so we do our best to make our training facilities available and affordable to as many people as possible. Both of our studios are fully accessible with accessible toilets and we run programmes for D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent adults and children.
HEALTH
We aim to increase confidence and self worth, building resilience through achievement and providing a safe space to allow aerial and circus to be a force for positive change in people’s lives.
ARTS
Open Aerial and Flying Fantastic aim to encourage the advancement of the arts by providing a creative, open space to promote the creation of performance, with a focus on contemporary circus, at both a professional and amateur level.
EDUCATION
At Open Aerial, we organise and deliver workshops, performances and other educational activities for children, young people and families from lower socio economic backgrounds. In doing this, we are promoting vocational training in circus skill teaching and fitness, as well as helping people find out more about education and training in the creative and artistic application of circus skills and physical theatre.
COMMUNITY
Open Aerial is run for the benefit of the people that use it. We are constantly looking to improve our offerings, facilities and equipment available to be able to continually deliver the best for our customers. It's the least they deserve!