Awards
2010
Violence Prevention Leadership Recognition
Urban Gateways was established as a leader in violence prevention as the only arts organization selected as a Chicago Public Schools "Culture of Calm" provider, and was also designated as a lead education partner in Chicago Community Trust's Arts Infusion violence prevention initiative for high-needs teenagers.
Kellogg School of Management Recognition
Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management recognized Urban Gateways for exemplary measurement and documentation practices.
2009
NEA Arts Stimulus Grant
Urban Gateways was one of 24 recipients nationwide of the National Endowment for the Arts' (NEA) Arts Stimulus Grants.
2006
CTA Adopt-A-Station Recognition
The Chicago Transit Authority recognized Urban Gateways for adopting a station on the Midway Orange Line and installing a public art piece created by students participating in Urban Gateways’ Art Options program, a summer arts apprenticeship program for Chicago-area teens.
2005
The Chicago Campaign to Expand Community Schools recognized Urban Gateways for its dedication, hard work, and achievement, as one of the lead non-profit partners for several Chicago-area community schools. Learn more about Urban Gateways’ Community Schools>>
Urban Gateways was one of three finalists awarded a one-time, $10,000 grant from Humana’s Chicago Benefits program in recognition of its outstanding work and contributions to the community.
2004
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) selected Urban Gateways as one of 10 national sites for its Summer Schools in the Arts Initiative; each site received $25,000 to support summer learning programs in the arts.
1995
National Medal of Art
President Clinton awarded Urban Gateways the National Medal of Art in 1995 for its excellence in arts programming and as a national leader in arts education. Honorees are selected by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and ceremoniously presented the award by the President of the United States. This is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the US government.
National Endowment for the Arts awarded Urban Gateways a $700,000 challenge grant, the largest amount given in this category. NEA Challenge Grants are given to small or mid- size organizations that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations.
1989
Urban Gateways received the Governor's Award for the Arts from the Illinois Arts Council. The arts organization award recognizes a non-profit Illinois organization for exceptional artistic achievement, outstanding programming, or other leadership initiatives that have stimulated excellence, growth and support and/or availability of the arts in Illinois.
1987
President Ronald Reagan recognized Urban Gateways for its 26 years of bringing arts to children.
1986
Urban Gateways' 25th Anniversary Award
Sheldon Patinkin presented this award to Urban Gateways in recognition of the organization's exemplary contribution to arts and education.
1985
Proclamation of Music Outreach Week in Chicago - June 6-12
Mayor Harold Washington issued a proclamation designating the week of June 6-12 as Music Outreach Week in Chicago. The proclamation was in response to a Music Outreach program created by Urban Gateways and Music of the Baroque to increase appreciation of classical music in schools.
1982
The Chicago Community Trust presented Urban Gateways with this award for outstanding community service.
1978
Appointment to National Council for the Arts
President Carter appointed Urban Gateways Founder and Executive Director Jessie Woods to serve on the National Council for the Arts. The National Council advises the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts on agency policies and programs; it also reviews and makes recommendations on applications for grants, funding guidelines, and leadership initiatives.
1975
Model Cities- Chicago Committee on Urban Opportunity presented this award to Urban Gateways for a decade of service to the City of Chicago and for striving to improve the quality of urban life as a Delegate Agency of Model Cities- Chicago Committee on Urban Opportunity.
1971
NEA National Model Recognition
National Endowment for the Arts cited Urban Gateways as a national model for community based arts/education programs.
1970
The Chicago City Council recognized Urban Gateways for the scope and development of its arts education programs.
1969
Proclamation of Urban Gateways Week
Governor Richard Ogilvie issued a proclamation designating the week of September 14-20 as Urban Gateways Week in Illinois.
Mayor Richard J. Daley issued a proclamation designating September 20 as Urban Gateways Day in Chicago.