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, while also promoting Urban Gateways artists and local artists/institutions.

Forum members have the unique opportunity to advocate the work of Urban Gateways Artists to a fresh, diverse, and young constituency, enhance existing fundraising efforts and cultivate future organizational leadership.

Learn more about New Arts Forum

Upcoming NAF Events>>
Why You Should Join>>
Social Networking Opportunities>>
Membership Requirements>>
NAF Members>>

To join the New Arts Forum, please fill out this online interest form.

Upcoming New Arts Forum Events

NAF Full Member Meeting

When: Tuesday, December 13th, 6-7:30p
Where: DePaul - 14 E. Jackson Blvd, Suite 1600
What: Join us at this informative meeting to learn more about our upcoming events, networking opportunities and ways to support Urban Gateways and arts education. The New Arts Forum full member meeting is open to both current and non-members. Food and drink provided. RSVP to kconway@urbangateways.org

 

Thumbnail image for IMG_4999.JPG

Why Join The New Arts Forum?

  • 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!
  • Lending expertise and influence in areas ranging from professional advice to personal contacts within the community.

 

Social Networking Opportunities

The NAF provides Chicago's young professionals who are interested in the arts with opportunities to network amongst their peers at art-focused events and in support of arts education. NAF not only focuses its events on the arts but gives its members access to professional artists, galleries, performances and more.

  •  Benefit Concerts
  •  Invitation to Urban Gateways Matinee Series
  •  Gallery Showings
  •  Urban Gateways Annual Benefit
  •  Private Gallery Tours
  •  Complimentary Tickets to Chicago Art Events

Visit our events calendar for more information about upcoming events.


Membership Requirements & New Arts Forum Structure

Membership Requirements

  • Members must be 21-39 years old and display a commitment to arts education and local artists and institutions.
  • Members are expected to attend at least 50% of the quarterly meetings.
  • Committee Members are expected to attend at least 75% of committee meetings
  • NAF members pay a $40 annual membership due
  • In addition to the $40 annual due, NAF members must commit to giving or fundraising an additional $100 or more. Fundraising efforts can include purchasing benefit tickets or raffle tickets, cash donations, or securing in-kind donations, silent auction items, donated event space or sponsorships.

NAF Structure

  • Officers: Co-Chairs, Treasurer, Secretary,
  • 2 Committees: Events and Membership
  • At Large Members (NAF members are not required to serve on a committee. Committee Membership is optional.)

New Arts Forum Members

Dana Adams - Leadership Co-Chair
Kristin Appiah-Word
Katie Austin
Ingrid Bahr - Events Co-Chair
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 - Leadership Co-Chair
Susan Morgan
Carly Mullinex
Anike Neverdon-Edmonds Coates
Lee Ann Norman
David Ofori-Amoah
Julie Ong
Lauren M. Pacheco - Events Co-Chair
Brigid Reagan
David Resnick - Membership Co-Chair
Maegen Rose - Membership Co- Chair
Wendy Schiller
Lawrence A. Seals
Celi Shabazz Davis
Trista Shah
LaChandra Simon
Janelle R. Stephens
Carri Stinson
Alexis Urda
Johnny Yang