Art Without Limits, Culture Without Compromise
A Safe, Creative Space for All
We’re more than just a venue; we’re a vibrant home for the artists, dreamers, and doers of Niagara. Nestled in the heart of Welland, we invite everyone to join us in a space that celebrates fearless self-expression, whether it’s through social gatherings, workshops, or live events.
Here, the community comes alive, making art for the joy, the learning, and the journey of it. As a cornerstone for local talent, The Bank Art House doesn’t just host events; it sparks connections that push Welland and Niagara’s cultural energy forward, drawing audiences from all around.
Concert Hall Theatre, Anything.
The Bank’s 8500sqft facility is widely adaptable to suit the needs of your event. The 3000sqft Main Room has a 22′ ceiling, all the Lights, Sound, and Video needed to bring even the most ambitious shows to life.
Several successful shows and full-length productions have been hosted including a variety of high-profile events
Photo Credit: Chris Lagesten
The Faces Behind The Bank Art House
Peter Benedetti
Peter Benedetti has been working in the entertainment production industry for over 24 years. He specializes as a rigger and production manager. 16 years ago, Peter began working in circus and stunt rigging. As a rope access technician and specialist rigger, Peter has worked with a variety of prominent companies such as Femmes du Feu Creations as well as independent artists Globally. He has toured with Cirque Musica, Kinky Boots, Rock Of Ages and installed arena shows for Cirque Du Soleil. Peter also has extensive experience in fabrication. His rigging experience led to requests for custom builds such as apparatuses, rigging systems, brackets and more . Peter is founder of Upstage Dynamics Inc, which has a fabrication division, building circus apparatuses equipment and custom rigging solutions. Peter has built and installed rigging equipment in a variety of situations including for an Ontario Heritage Trust building, The Elgin And Winter Garden Theater in Toronto, Ontario.
In 2019 Peter and his family moved to Welland, Ontario, in the Niagara region to open a brand new community art space – The Bank, Art House. There, he is combining his skills in fabrication, rigging, production management, and sound and lighting in order to create a new venue and circus centre that promises to become an important community cultural hub and creation space for the area.
Holly Benedetti
In 2001 Holly began her exploration into the circus arts, beginning with fire performance – dancing, eating, and manipulation. In 2003 Holly co-founded Femmes du Feu Creations and in 2007 the company turned its focus towards aerial dance including silks, rope, hoop, harness, bungee, static and dance trapeze. As Artistic Director of Femmes du Feu Creations, Holly has created, performed and presented many contemporary circus works, including her recent solo project In the Fire, the early years show Tweet Tweet, and The Lonely Child Project with Angola Murdoch and opera singer Stacey Dunlap.
Holly has always been a strong advocate for community engagement. In 2019 Holly and her family moved to Welland, Ontario, in the Niagara region to open a brand new community art space – The Bank Art House. She believes that art has the ability to inspire, educate, and bring people together to build stronger communities. She is currently an active member on the board of the Welland Business Improvement Association (BIA) and is working with the City of Welland to promote circus within the city. Outside of her performance life Holly is a mother of two, a certified yoga instructor (2001 graduate), a Doctor of Osteopathy (2008 graduate) and continues to teach circus classes and workshops around Ontario and Manitoba.
