The most likely scenario for the proposed Downtown Arts Campus is a phased build out, beginning with the relocation of the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance. The project, which has a strong civic support, includes a $90 million price tag. Robert Simmons, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Administration, said private donors and matching funds from the state of Missouri are being pursued. Simmons said timing will depend entirely on how quickly donors can be identified. “The potential donors and meetings with the donors are probably about the first thing the Chancellor and [Conservatory Dean Peter] Witte think about in the morning and the last thing they think about at night,” he said. No public information, however, is currently available. “The discussions at this point have been focused on a phased creation,” Simmons said. “The site selection … Read entire article »