Salt Lake City — Americans for the Arts announced that The Gateway has been named an Arts + Business Partnership Award honoree for 2021. The award will be presented on October 15 at a virtual gala.

The Arts + Business Partnership Award is a national recognition given annually to businesses that have mutually beneficial, innovative, and sustained partnerships with the arts. Each year, winners of this award are celebrated in October at the awards gala and become part of a network of like-minded businesses and leaders. These companies set the standard for excellence and serve as role models for others to follow.

Since Vestar purchased The Gateway, it has been transformed into a destination for arts and culture in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. Vacant spaces are revitalized with Art Shop Windows throughout the year, while vibrant murals, crosswalks, interactive art exhibits are regularly displayed. The Gateway also hosts art-themed events such as the annual Chalk Art Festival and the Urban Arts Festival which provide a free opportunity for attendees to experience and celebrate both local and national artists.

“From visual arts to performing arts and cultural heritage celebrations, The Gateway has successfully fused business with art in downtown Salt Lake City,” says Jacklyn Briggs, The Gateway’s Marketing Director. “We are honored to have our mission to be a thriving destination for art and culture recognized by Americans for the Arts.”

Other honorees include:

Audible (Newark, NJ)

NMG Network (Honolulu, HI)

University of Michigan Credit Union (Ann Arbor, MI)

Underestimated People of Purpose (UPOP) (Denver, CO)

Universal Orlando Resort (Orlando, FL)

In addition, Aziz Hasan, CEO of Kickstarter, will be honored with the BCA Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals for their extraordinary vision, leadership, and commitment to supporting the arts and for encouraging other businesses to follow their lead. PNC and Arts and Education Council, of St. Louis, MO, will receive the David Rockefeller pARTnership Award. This award recognizes a company and an arts organization or artist for an exceptional project, program, or initiative that represents a true alliance, collaboration, or exchange between the two.

“We are excited to honor these exceptional businesses and individuals for their commitment to ensuring that the arts thrive in their communities,” said Nolen Bivens, president, and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “They understand and leverage the power of the arts to encourage creative thinking, build healthy businesses and develop vibrant communities. Through partnering with the arts, these companies and leaders have enriched many lives and for that, set a true example for others to follow.”

The 2021 Arts + Business Partnership Awards Gala is generously supported by premium product sponsors, Omaha Steaks, and The George Barrett and Deborah Neimeth Fund; Martha Rivers Ingram Advised Fund at The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee; PNC St. Louis; and Universal Orlando Resort.

For more information about Arts + Business Partnership Awards, please contact Danielle Iwata at 212-233-2787 or via e-mail at [email protected].