For ten years, the Collaborative Practice Committee (CPC), formerly known as The Center for Contemporary Practice Committee, has been dedicated to developing and maintaining curricula that are collaborative, cross-disciplinary, and accessible to the public. The CPC programs foster expanded dialogue among visiting artists, curators, writers, and scholars with students, faculty, and staff at the Kansas City Art Institute.

The CPC originated by developing programming for the KCAI Crossroads Gallery: Center for Contemporary Practice (2015-2019) This distinctive studio, residency, and exhibition space, previously known as Grand Arts, was situated in the Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City. The committee continues to uphold the tradition of cultivating accessible exhibitions and artistic experiences on campus at the KCAI Gallery and beyond.

This exhibition serves as a comprehensive survey and acknowledgment of the extensive experiences cultivated through the CPC, and as a space for contemplation on future developments for our community.

We invite your real-time collaboration by utilizing the adhesive notes situated throughout the exhibition to offer comments or recollections regarding these images. These notes may serve as reflections for those who witnessed these projects unfold, or for individuals new to the campus and the CPC, to highlight what excites them about these projects and the initiatives they would like to see revived or expanded.

As we reflect upon the depth of engagement this committee has achieved over the past decade, we can collectively anticipate the future growth and contributions that lie ahead for our college community.

Image: From the project exhibition: Nor Boat Nor Fish No River. Using Collaboration and Teaching to Create a Cast-Paper Installation. Visiting Artist, Winifred Lutz.