Contact: Brian J. Foster
Phone: (312) 445-2749 (office) / (773) 209-5749 (cell)
Email: bfoster@urbangateways.org
Media Alert
Urban Gateways Receives National Endowment for the Arts Grant
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa has announced that Urban Gateways is one of 886 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant in 2014. Urban Gateways is recommended for a $50,000.00 grant to support in-school, multi-disciplinary arts residencies for a minimum of 1,000 students (32 classrooms) in eight elementary schools.
NEA Acting Chairman Shigekawa said, “The NEA is pleased to announce that Urban Gateways is recommended for an NEA Art Works grant. These NEA-supported projects will not only have a positive impact on local economies, but will also provide opportunities for people of all ages to participate in the arts, help our communities to become more vibrant, and support our nation’s artists as they contribute to our cultural landscape.”
Art Works grants support the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and enhancement of the livability of communities through the arts. The NEA received 1,515 eligible applications under the Art Works category, requesting more than $76 million in funding. Of those applications, 886 are recommended for grants for a total of $25.8 million.
“Urban Gateways is extremely excited to receive this grant and extend the work we are doing with students in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. This will assist in helping us to continue collaborating with teachers, administrators, and arts specialists to develop and implement engaging, integrated curricula for all types of learners,” said Jill Potter, Urban Gateways Director of Programs.
For a complete listing of projects recommended for Art Works grant support, please visit the NEA website at arts.gov.
Urban Gateways delivers high-quality, accessible arts experiences that advance students’ 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. Last year, Urban Gateways served 67,000 students through the arts. Check out our overview video.
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For more information on the NEA Art Works grant or Urban Gateways, please contact Brian Foster, Director of Marketing and Sales at Urban Gateways – (312) 445-2749 or bfoster@urbangateways.org.