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Chancellor Morton discusses idea of Downtown Arts Campus on KCPT's 'The Local Show'

UMKC Chancellor Leo Morton appeared on the January 12 episode of KCPT-TV's The Local Show. Chancellor Morton joined host Nick Haines in a discussion about the possibility of developing a UMKC Downtown Arts Campus. The episode also featured a segment highlighting an exhibit at The Box Gallery featuring the work of graduate students in the UMKC Theatre Department.

UMKC has hired Helix Architecture + Design, Integra Realty Resources and HGA Architects and Engineers to complete a feasibility study for a downtown UMKC arts campus. The firms will develop a preliminary program and cost estimate for the project, look at potential downtown properties, develop site and concept plans and gather feedback from UMKC and the community over the next several months.

One of the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce's "Big 5" ideas, the UMKC arts campus idea would relocate the Conservatory of Music and Dance, and potentially other arts programs such as the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, KCUR 89.3 FM and UMKC Theatre program to a new downtown location, reinforcing the university's missions to advance urban engagement and excel in the visual and performing arts.

With the recent grand openings of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and the Todd Bolender Center for Dance and Creativity, civic and university leaders agree that a UMKC arts campus would enrich a growing arts district. In line with the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation's 2005 "Time to Get It Right" report - which said the arts are essential to attracting the young, talented professionals Kansas City needs to flourish - the UMKC arts campus could bring as many as 1,000 students, faculty and staff downtown each week.