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The inspiration for After School Matters arose more than two decades ago from the desire of then-Chicago First Lady Maggie Daley and former Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Lois Weisberg to develop cultural activities for the city’s teenagers.
A prominent parcel at the core of the City’s business district—designated “Block 37” in the official zoning books—sat undeveloped. This location, in 1991, was where After School Matters’ predecessor…gallery37…was born.
In large white tents on Block 37 that first summer, 260 teens apprenticed with professional artists and earned a monetary stipend for their work. The program was popular and successful with teens who were eager to learn from caring adults who are experts in their field. Moreover, teens reported that gallery37 helped them express themselves through their chosen art form, made them better communicators and introduced them to new career opportunities.
