URBANO IS A RECOGNIZED LEADER IN ARTS EDUCATION AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Key highlights from our first 10 years of work:
Read our annual reports:
ARTS IMPACT
Urbano creates a stage for cutting-edge artworks.
Urbano’s work exemplifies the concept of Creative Placemaking, what has been described as “an evolving field of practice that intentionally leverages the power of the arts, culture and creativity to serve a community’s interest while driving a broader agenda for change, growth and transformation in a way that also builds character and quality of place.” Over 3,000 community members attend events and participate in public artworks annually at Urbano. Opportunities for community participation range from panel conversations about community issues, to traveling art exhibitions, to community gatherings. In the past year, Urbano has engaged diverse groups of community members in artistic dialogue around critical issues of our time, including immigration, gentrification, and stereotypes portrayed in mass media.
80% of Urbano Alumni are still in contact with Teaching Artists
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Urbano helps young people to be life-ready.
Young people participating in Urbano’s youth programs with professional artists develop capacities in creative self-expression, artistic mastery, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Teens and young adults gain access to work opportunities and mentorship at Urbano, producing community art events and learning skills like project planning, problem-solving, and perseverance—capacities that have been shown to help young people be ready for college and career opportunities. In-depth engagement with studio practice and exposure to high-quality works of art also help young people learn to observe closely, reflect, and envision new possibilities—practices that will help them in school, in life, and elsewhere far outside the art studio.
100% of Urbano Alumni have graduated High School or obtained a GED
100% of Urbano Alumni have attended or are attending College or a Private University since participating in Urbano
COMMUNITY + SOCIAL CHANGE
Urbano catalyzes social change through art.
Urbano's creative placemaking leverages the power of art, culture and creativity to bring change, growth and transformation in communities. Each year, 3,000 residents attend art events that invite them to participate in conversations about critical issues affecting their lives, such as immigration, gentrification, and stereotypes portrayed in mass media that perpetuate social injustice.
90% of Urbano Alumni are still in contact with other students they met through Urbano
Selected Awards:
Urbano Project recognized as a Model Equity Organization by the Boston Cultural Council, 2019
Stella Aguirre McGregor receives Community Builder Award, Egleston Main Street, 2017
Stella Aguirre McGregor granted The Oprah Winfrey Award for Leadership and Exposure, The Scribe's Institute, 2016
Stella Aguirre McGregor receives Community Catalyst Award, Madison Park Development Corporation, Hibernian Hall, 2014
Stella Aguirre McGregor receives MassArt Excellence in Art Education Award in 2012
Stella Aguirre McGregor named one of Boston's 100 Most Powerful Latinos by El Planeta's Powermeter in 2012
Urbano's Jorge Hernandez Arts Leadership Award in 2011
Stella Aguirre McGregor celebrated as Latina of the Year by Harvard's Presencia Latina
Urbano nominated for a New England Art Award for the Freedom Trail on Trial with Neil Horsky in 2011
Stella Aguirre McGregor celebrated as one of Boston's Top 10 Women in the Arts in 2008
“Social change is simply change that goes on in our communities between us and the people we see every day, our conversations and activities. Art helps promote social change because it shapes artists into the people they are.”