Angell Foundation CircEsteem Additional Information

RAISING THE BIG TOP! EXPANDED PROGRAMS IN OUR NEW HOME

773-732-4564 dan@circesteem.org 4730 N Sheridan Chicago, IL 60640

CircEsteem’s mission is to unite youth across all backgrounds and identities by fostering self-esteem and mutual respect through the practice and performance of circus arts.

98% of CircEsteem youth reported that they know how to work peacefully in groups of people.

In Chicago, 8th graders and high schoolers have an 83% graduation rate, but for youth at CircEsteem, the agency boasts a 100% graduation rate for both metrics.

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100% of youth report that they feel like they are a part of the CircEsteem Community.

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85% of participants report they had a positive relationship with their mentors at CircEsteem

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Since 2001, CircEsteem has served the Uptown community of Chicago on the corner of Sheridan Road and Lawrence Avenue. CircEsteem has provides after-school and weekend programs for youth that promote social emotional learning, academic achievement, and physical fitness, encouraging youth to try new things, problem solve, work as a team, and gain confidence.

Fusing History and our Future: A Landmark In 2022, CircEsteem purchased the historic 1910s building, which was formerly one of Chicago’s Northside’s first movie theaters, but had mostly been rented out throughout its long history to house youth programming. CircEsteem is working with the renowned architect firm JGMA to create a new hub for Uptown’s youth, complete with state-of-the-art facilities that will make programs more accessible and expand the organization’s capacity. The facade of the building will achieve historic landmark status as we restore the original terracotta and also reveal windows that were previously bricked over. These open windows will provide natural sunlight and also access to the public to see the activities happening within the youth center.

Stop 1: Foyer/Open Community Space

CircEsteem Value: Including Families This space represents CircEsteem’s value of welcoming the whole household, strengthening family and community bonds.

Once one enters our new center, visitors will experience a welcoming and open space that encourages community to interact with the facility.

This design is made with parents and community members in mind, with plenty of seating for parents to watch youth within the center with new floor-to-cieling windows while they socialize or work.

Cubbies are available for youth, and free wifi provided for the community.

This ADA-compliant space includes gender-nuetral bathrooms.

Stop 2 on our tour: New Aerial Studio 23 foot-tall space that meets standards for budding professional aeiral artists 8-point rigging system Saturation of nautral light with views open to the community.

A mural wall in which youth will be involved in planning and creating community art that expresses their dreams, goals, and identity as CircEsteem Youth.

Second-floor view for CircEsteem staff in the office space, directly connecting administrators with the performing arts education they are supporting.

Springboard floor

CircEsteem Value: Community Voice CircEsteem's design sessions with children revealed a unanimous desire for increased natural light within the space. Through a collaborative effort involving the community, input from children, staff, and board members, the organization successfully designed a more inviting and well-lit environment that reflects the collective vision and needs of its stakeholders. This transformation not only enhances the physical space but also fosters a sense of ownership and inclusivity among all those involved.

Stop 3: The Homework & CircusWork Library An on-site library has always been crucial to our after-school program, Homework & CircusWork. The library ensures equitable access to educational resources, and fosters a supportive and enriching environment where young participants can explore literature, expand their horizons, and develop a lifelong love for learning.

"With CircEsteem, I’ve gone far, I’ve been able to go to college. Especially through the Homework and Circus Work program, I’ve been able to learn how to communicate, learn how to build. I’ve learned how to be caring, open-minded and just in general, just learned how to love and accept everyone else and that is how I’m able to go far."

-- Antoinette Mpwaneyo

Our new performance center is the beating heart of our new building, where youth can be inspired to evolve artistically, personally, and professionally.

Students will have this brave, daring space to uphold the principles of resilience, unity, creative expression, and self-advocacy.

State-of-the-art stage lighting and audio, with a new AV booth Projector and projector screen spring-board floors Top-of-the-line rigging system Additional safety exits Cuartain system that creates endless possibilities for multipurpose use Comfortable audience seating.

Parents can peek inside through floor-to-cieling windows

With support from the Angell Foundation, CircEsteem strives to engage world-renowned performers and ensembles who specialize in Circus Arts Theater to provide affordable, unforgettable events in our new performance center.

We hope you will visit our new home soon!