Sound Waves of Support
When you think about Movement City, it's likely not quiet memories that come to mind. It's the music and energy of Showcase and Open Mic nights. The laughing in the hallway between workshops. The first time you spoke up in a group and realized people were actually listening. The first time you heard a mentor say, "you got this!" and genuinely believed them. The noise of a room full of wildly creative young people figuring out, together, who they were becoming.
We're carrying all of that sound into our new home.
This winter, Movement City is moving into the Dyeworks building for an exciting new chapter. More space, more capacity, more room for the next generation of Lawrence youth to find their voice.
Get on our wavelength,
literally
We’re recognizing the folks who have helped us come this far. This physical expression of gratitude is coming together as a soundwave wrapping around to the new entrance of Movement City. We’d love to include you in the final installation!
A gift of $100 minimum gets you a “bar” on the wall. Every dollar beyond that goes directly toward helping Movement City settle in our new forever home.
Activate the
MC Community
Are you an alum with a soft spot for Open Mics? Maybe a parent of a member who read their first poem out loud? Or perhaps you’re a current member tearing it up on the dance floor? Whatever your connection to MC, you’re part of this story.
Creative Ways
to Support
Interested in making a gift with others? We’re all about organizing + collective action! Feel free to gather more MC Super Fans and submit a donation together! Each “bar” can hold up to four names, just indicate this on your donation form.
Make a Sound
Investment
Want to make an even greater impact? Donations of $1000 and up are eligible for Community Investment Tax Credits (CITC), which provide a tax credit of 50% of your gift. If this is appropriate for your situation, reach out to start the process!
Timeline of Events
November 2, 2026
Our final push for support is live! Make a donation and secure your spot on the sound wave!
December 4, 2026
Last day to be included on the sound wave of generous donor support!
December 18, 2026
Come celebrate MC's final Showcase in the Our House space at 168 Newbury Street in Lawrence!
January 2027
Join us for the ribbon cutting as we welcome Movement City to their new home at Dyeworks! Final date to be determined; invitation to follow.
From philosophy coded in lyrics to confidence translated into choreography, the real magic lies in the individual transformations and reflective growth unique to each member’s journey. The expansion and move to DyeWorks positions Movement City to scale this transformative work while we continue making beats, making meaning, making our mark, and making a new home.
FAQs
What is my donation going toward? We’ve raised all the money to build the walls, but still need support to make this new space feel like home. From art supplies and computers to microphones and tablets, your donation will help bring this new space to life, allowing the current and future generations a place to create, make, and discover who they are.
I can’t donate $100 at this time, but I can give a smaller amount. What are my options to be included on the Sound Wave Donor Wall? We know times are tough (we’re looking at you, gas prices), and we’re grateful for every gift, no matter the amount. While a minimum donation of $100 is required for a spot on the Sound Wave Donor Wall, you don’t have to reach that amount on your own. Consider teaming up with another Movement City Super Fan (a current member, alum, volunteer, staff member, parent, or friend of MC) to combine your gifts and secure your spot together! Each soundbar can feature up to four names, so you can share the recognition with the people who make Movement City special to you. If you’d simply like to celebrate your MC community by sharing a soundbar with others, even if you’re able to give $100 or more on your own, we encourage that, too! Every gift truly makes a difference
Interesting color palette! Tell me more about these purples, oranges, and yellows! Movement City’s new home (40 Island Street) is in the original DyeWorks building. The textiles created here were shipped all over the country, and were part of putting Lawrence on the map as a textile powerhouse. These 11 colors are the original dye colors used in much of the building’s production and are also color-blocked on the east wall of the building. If hex codes and RGB values are your love language, we’re happy to nerd out any day!
Does the soundwave design actually represent an audio file? No stock files here! This is the actual soundwave of Movement City’s classic call and response chant: "When I say Movement, y’all say City! MOVEMENT! CITY!" We’re making some noise and bringing this tradition forward!
I already made a donation last year. Will I still be included on the Sound Wave Donor Wall? Thanks for your support! Yes, we have a number of generous donors who have previously supported our Dyeworks capital campaign in 2025. You should be receiving a separate thank you note in the mail. You’re of course more than welcome to expand your gift this year! We’ll combine the totals for the final installation.
Where can I find out more information about Movement City? Check out Movement City’s website (movementcity.org) and instagram account (@movementcity). Movement City recently celebrated twenty years of phenomenal youth development work – check out our Impact Report below! Registration at the new building will be available soon.
I’m a Movement City alum! How can I get connected? We’d LOVE to get in touch! We’re amping up our alumni efforts, so kindly complete our MC Alumni Network form to help us update our files. Once we have contact info for you, we’ll definitely reach out. Feel free to contact us at movementcity@lawrencecommunityworks.org or call (978) 685-3115. Gentle disclaimer: there’s a bit going on (you know, wrapping up one chapter, transitioning to a new building, all while managing a very active ongoing program + trying to stay sane *eye twitch*) so we’re grateful for your extra patience. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
This is all lovely, but I still have some questions. Reach out to us at movementcity@lawrencecommunityworks.org and we’ll be happy to connect!
I’d love to check out the Movement City Impact Report!