New Arts Forum

Urban Gateways created the New Arts Forum (NAF) to engage young professionals in the work of Urban Gateways. The Forum’s mission is to promote and support Urban Gateways’ efforts to provide arts education programs to all children, despite race or economic class. 

Questions about the New Arts Forum or how to join? Contact Development Manager Kristy Conway>>

Why Join the New Arts Forum?

  • Distinctive social and networking opportunities
  • It is the only Junior Board in Chicago representing an arts education organization
  • Support one of the oldest and largest arts education organizations in the country
  • Play an active role in engaging other young people to support Urban Gateways’ programming
  • Gain a sense of advocacy and philanthropy
  • Develop your leadership skills and your potential to join Urban Gateways’ Board of Directors in the future
  • Learn more about arts education policy and practice while learning the art of fundraising
  • Meet a creative group of people and have fun!


New Arts Forum Activities

  • Gaining an understanding of Urban Gateways programming and its role in the community
  • Lending expertise and influence in areas ranging from professional advice to personal contacts within the community
  • Attending New Arts Forum meetings (schedule TBD)
  • Selling tickets for Urban Gateways annual fundraiser
  • Volunteering for various Urban Gateways events throughout the year
  • Planning at least one New Arts Forum fundraiser per year designed specifically to attract a younger audience (20s and 30s); past events include:
    • Vegas on Wacker
    • A Taste of Wine and the Arts
    • Spring Scene at Rockit Bar & Grill
    • Come Out and Laugh for Us at Second City
    • Moonshine Madness

New Arts Forum Committees

Leadership Committee - Oversees the New Arts Forum and its committees

The Leadership Committee establishes the Forum’s bylaws and structure, oversees work plans and budgets, develops internal/external communication processes, and identifies leadership roles and responsibilities. The Leadership Committee will be expected to meet at least once per quarter.

Membership Committee - Responsible for the recruitment of new members

The Membership Committee provides marketing strategies to recruit new members. In addition, the committee will gauge current members’ interests in specific volunteer and event opportunities and raise awareness and advocate on behalf of Urban Gateways and arts education. The Membership Committee will be expected to meet at least once per quarter and possibly more as needed.

Events Committee - Responsible for developing and organizing NAF fundraising events

The Events Committee will plan at least one fundraising event during its inaugural year. The committee will also work with Urban Gateways development staff in the planning of additional educational and social opportunities for the New Arts Forum members. 
 

New Arts Forum Members

Dana Adams
Kristin Appiah-Word
Katie Austin
Ingrid Bahr
Anastasia Barantchouk
Christine Bespalec-Davis
Ewa Bloch
M. Catherine Buchanan
Dipika Cherala
Catherine Chinnock
Corrinn Conard Ekker
Jennifer Conway
Sandra Davis
Katie DeSalvo
Erin Dunn
Julia Failey
Greg Faron
Sean P. Finn
Jessica George
Stefanie Haller
Tracy Hannan
Karla Ikpi
Christina Jensen
Jodi M. Kurtze
Allie Miller
Omar J. Miller
Susan Morgan
Carly Mullinex
Anike Neverdon-Edmonds Coates
Lee Ann Norman
David Ofori-Amoah
Julie Ong
Lauren M. Pacheco
Brigid Reagan
David Resnick
Maegen Rose
Wendy Schiller
Lawrence A. Seals
Celi Shabazz Davis
Trista Shah
LaChandra Simon
Janelle R. Stephens
Carri Stinson
Alexis Urda
Johnny Yang