Blog

First and foremost, during this time of great uncertainty, we hope you and your loved ones are well.

With schools and community spaces closed due to the spread of COVID-19 in Chicago, we are saddened that we are unable to share the arts with young people at a time when they likely need inspiration the most.

Our Teaching and Touring Artists – an essential part of this work, for whom arts instruction and performances are sources of both passion and livelihood – are also experiencing this loss. Our artists rely on our programs, and our programs rely on them; when Chicago’s artists suffer, so does our city’s next generation of creatives and change-makers.

Once we are on the other side of this pandemic in Chicago, Urban Gateways artists, staff, and administrators will be ready to harness the power of the arts to inspire creativity, impact social change…and help our youth and our city heal.

In the meantime, in order to heed social distancing recommendations and help control the spread of COVID-19, Urban Gateways has come to the difficult decision of postponing our Art for All Gala, scheduled for Friday, April 17th. Please stay tuned on our events page for more information as we weigh our options and consider whether to reschedule the event.

Additionally, this pandemic has resulted in a full stop on all artist residencies, performances, teacher professional development, Street Level programs, Teen Arts Pass events, and other initiatives. ALL Urban Gateways programs have been canceled or postponed. Cash flow is incredibly vital for us as we work on a reimbursement basis under most program contracts, and it is currently unclear whether or when we can expect payment for completed work.

This loss of critical income, from program revenue and donations from our annual fundraiser, is severe.

Our main concern is for the artists who work with us as independent contractors. With no programs running and all schools closed, they are currently without income. Urban Gateways is doing what we can to help, but our resources are extremely limited given the cancellation of our largest fundraiser.

This is an unprecedented situation – for the arts sector as a whole, for the arts education community, and for our organization. The loss of programs and our largest fundraising event creates tremendous financial strain. If you are so moved, please consider making a tax-deductible donation that will support our artists and staff during this uncertain time.

Donate Here >>

Your dollars will be put to work immediately, sustaining the livelihoods of our amazing team members – artists and administrators – who are putting their hearts and souls into preparations to continue providing arts experiences to young people all over Chicago later this year.

We believe in the power of the arts to inspire creativity and impact social change – no matter the circumstances. We’ll continue to be in touch with more updates.

Stay healthy, stay well – and stay creative.

Donate now so that our artists and staff can keep doing what they do best: Inspiring our city’s young people, and its future. >>

Please Note: If you prefer to donate via check, you can send your donation to Urban Gateways at 1637 N Ashland Ave Ste 1, Chicago IL 60622. You can view additional ways to give here.