I’ve lived in the Crossroads, Kansas City for just three years. People are choosing to live here and work here for many good reasons. It’s a nice neighborhood. I love it here and have decided to make it my home. One thing missing from my neighborhood is a neighborhood school that educates children.
I think having a school here amid the arts, and most important all the wonderful artists, could enrich the people and the place a great deal. Others have a similar view, I sense. UMKC is discussing moving their Conservatory of Music here in the future. Big ideas start with small steps. Here’s what I’m thinking:
- A private institution with the independence to work towards excellence, free from the bureaucracy of State oversight.
- Begin with grades K to 5 and establish a day care/pre-school
- Hire local artists to teach. Fund interested artists to obtain teacher accreditation.
- Build the school slowly to expand grades, with an ultimate goal of grades K-12 with a ten year plan
- Create a curriculum that includes the visual and performing arts with an emphasis on the liberal arts and languages.
- Partner with local artistic organizations, businesses and companies (ballet, symphony, and opera)
- Partner with the Kansas City Arts Institute
Very cool Tom. As an Alumni of KCAI, my senior thesis had this component in my presentation. This was in 2004, I have been in the crossroads with a gallery connected to the LVAC, then moved my design studio and started another gallery in the basement for 4 years and now I am across the street at 2011 Baltimore. If you are ever in the neighborhood, stop by and we can discuss further.
ReplyDeleteKind Regards,
Luis@spynstudio.com