Plans for a New Kansas City Arts Campus are Moving Forward

The University of Missouri-Kansas City is moving forward on plans to build a conservatory after Gov. Mike Parson offered support.

The school says it’s seeking proposals for a new building for the school’s Conservatory of Music and Dance and the Department of Theatre.

Interim Chancellor and Provost Barbara Bichelmeyer says a downtown campus may be the “best solution” if there’s an existing building in a viable location that can be re-purposed at a much lower cost than new construction. The other option is to locate the new facility on campus.

Supporters previously raised $48 million in pledges toward a $96 million conservatory and were waiting for a state match when former Gov. Eric Greitens vetoed the plan. Parson pledged last week to sign a bill providing state funding.