Urban Gateways offers both Virtual and In-Person Programs in each of the areas below; reach out to us via our inquiry forms (linked from all of our program pages) to start a conversation about the program type and format that’s right for your school or organization – and learn more about our COVID Policy for In-Person Programs at this page.
Urban Gateways programs are led by professional artists in dance, literary arts, media arts, music, theater, and visual arts.
By connecting Chicago-area youth, their teachers, families, and communities with professional artists, we encourage creative expression as a vital component for inspired lives, vibrant environments, and lasting social change.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS
Instructional Programs include Residencies, Workshops, and Professional Development; these programs allow young people – as well as families, community members, and educators – to continue growing and developing their creativity in any learning environment, whether in-person, remote, or hybrid.
Learn more about our Instructional Programs via the pages below, and request an Instructional Program using this form!
Residencies >>
Workshops >>
Professional Development >>
PERFORMANCES
Urban Gateways Performances bring captivating shows by many of Chicago’s finest dance, music, and theater groups to schools and communities. We currently have Performances available virtually (livestream or on-demand) as well as in-person. Click below to learn more, and request both virtual and in-person performances using this request form.
Virtual Performances >>
In-Person Performances >>
Pictured: Screenshot from a Virtual Performance of “Breakin’ It Down: Hip Hop History” with Chicago Dance Crash.
More Urban Gateways Programs
The programs above (Instructional Programs & Performances) reflect offerings that are directly available to our school and community partners. Urban Gateways programs also include the following:
Street Level
Our youth multi-media center located at 1637 N Ashland Ave in Chicago. Young people can engage directly with Street Level via drop-ins, instructional multi-media learning, clubs, mildsauce.org (Street Level’s youth-led webzine), and more. Street Level also partners with schools and organizations for field trips and professional development in the media arts. Follow them on Instagram at @streetlevelchicago, and learn more here >>
Teen Arts Pass (TAP)
A (free!) membership program that allows teens to access $5 tickets to arts events all over Chicago, as well as access to members-only programs and perks. Follow on Instagram @teenartspass and learn more here >>