Arts-Wired Program
Urban Gateways Arts-Wired Program is a whole-school change model which infuses the arts into struggling schools to transform them into high-quality hubs of learning with the support of corporate partners.
* Read the full press release announcing the launch of the Arts-Wired Program>>
How does the Arts-Wired Program work?
A corporate partner adopts a Chicago-area school, where Urban Gateways then delivers in-depth, customized arts programming.
What is an Arts-Wired School?
Similar to how schools are “wired” for technology to raise the possibility for success in any educational environment, Urban Gateways will infuse four key components of arts learning into Arts-Wired Schools, in order to increase the academic achievement levels for all students.That arts programming includes:
- Artist Residencies, which bring professional artists into the classroom – before, during and after school - to provide students with high quality arts experiences that offer enrichment, inspiration and engagement for all types of learners.
- Professional Development for teaching staff, certified arts specialists and administrators that expands their knowledge of the arts and teaches them how to build the arts into their teaching strategies and curricula;
- Exposure to high quality performing arts and cultural experiences through Urban Gateways’ touring and matinee performances in dance, music and theatre; and
- Out-of-school opportunities, such as workshops, classes, and special events for students, parents and neighborhood residents that embed arts learning into a larger community development context.
How many Arts-Wired Schools are there?
Two. The first two corporate leaders to fund or “adopt” an Arts-Wired School are Jenner & Block and Fifth Third Bank, which have adopted Fairfield Academy (6201 South Fairfield, Chicago) and Roosevelt Middle School (2500 Oak Street, Bellwood), respectively.
How can your company or school get involved in the Arts-Wired Program?
For more information, please contact Urban Gateways Director of Community Partnerships Jordan LaSalle at jlasalle@urbangateways.org.