Contact: Brian J. Foster Telephone: (312) 445-2749 Cellular: (773) 209-5749 Email: bfoster@urbangateways.org
URBAN GATEWAYS NEW ARTS FORUM HOSTS ROCK FOR ARTS Benefit to Raise Funds and Awareness for Arts Education
On Saturday, May 18th, Urban Gateways Jr. Board, New Arts Forum, will host its first ever Rock for Arts benefit concert. Six bands will be performing from 7:00pm until 11:00pm at Reggie’s Rock Club to benefit Urban Gateways arts and education programming. The bands include Lonesome Still, Sam Vicari, Newburys, American Muskox, Metropolly, and Ovadya. New Arts Forum Board Chair, Jess Kaswiner said, ‘We are thrilled to partner with Reggie’s Rock Club for “Rock for Arts”. In typical NAF fashion, we’ll be presenting a mash-up of artistic entertainment, while bringing together like-minded arts advocates in support of Urban Gateways. At the heart of our board is the mantra “pARTy for a cause”, putting a ‘new-school’ twist on your old school fundraiser!’ The event will include a free buffet, a happy hour, and access to the roof top bar.
Urban Gateways educates and inspires young people by delivering high-quality, accessible arts experiences that advance their personal and academic growth. Professional artists engage Chicago’s youth in arts activities that build essential skills like creativity, collaboration and innovation, and improve their self-esteem and confidence necessary to succeed in life. Founded in 1961 with a mission to ensure that all young people have full access to the city’s cultural wealth, Urban Gateways works with artists, teachers, principals, community leaders, social service agencies and other partners to expand arts programs across the Chicago Metropolitan area, often in communities where such opportunities are in short supply. Urban Gateways strives to create alternative and positive experiences as a means to a brighter future for children and their communities.
This winter Urban Gateways analyzed our student survey data and found that their outcomes related to active classroom engagement, such as volunteering, sharing new ideas, etc. seemed to be low. What was found was that our students in performing arts residencies (music, dance, theatre) reported greater increases in these areas. To illustrate, 79% stated they volunteer more in class versus 46% of students in non-performing arts programs. 82% state they introduce new ideas more in class versus 46% of students in non-performing arts programs and 82% state they are better listeners after having been in a performing arts program as opposed to 65% in other programs. It seems performing in a band could lead to better class room engagement.
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For more information on this event or Urban Gateways please contact Brian Foster, Director of Marketing and Sales, at (312) 445-2749 or at bfoster@urbangateways.org. You may also visit www.urbangateways.org/events.
UPDATE: PHOTOS from Rock for Arts on May 18, 2013: