Since its founding in 1986, the Gateway Foundation has quietly and continuously worked behind the scenes to bring art, design, and light into public spaces across the region. What began with the loan of seven sculptures to the Missouri Botanical Garden has grown into supporting hundreds of projects across the arts sector including public art installations, murals, transformative lighting and landscape investments in historic buildings, monuments, theaters, galleries, accessibility initiatives, and its single biggest investment, transforming two underused downtown blocks into Citygarden.

The Foundation also supports arts administration through the Gyo Obata Fellowship, established in honor of Gyo Obata and his more than two decades of service on the Foundation's board. The Fellowship places undergraduate students in paid positions within St. Louis arts institutions, providing direct experience and expanding access to careers in arts administration for underrepresented students.

The Great Rivers Biennial, presented in partnership with the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, provides selected regional artists with funding to produce new work, and an exhibition at Contemporary Art Museum.

In recent years, the Foundation has continued its work and commitment to quality and design. This includes the 2023 revamping of the Gateway Arch, the 2024 expansion of Citygarden, and the introduction of several new internationally acclaimed installations. These new installations will roll out alongside an additional series of upcoming projects, including collaborations with the Brickline Greenway and community leaders in North St. Louis City and County.

The Foundation's work also improves the public realm in St. Louis through durable art and design. Current efforts include the re-envisioning of the Terrace View Café into a visitor center, art gallery, and hub for the arts, bringing new energy, performances, and daily liveliness to downtown, while enhancing the Gateway Mall experience.

Gateway Foundation will celebrate four decades through storytelling and project spotlights.