KCAI Receives $1.5m Donation And Breaks Ground On New Studio For Arts And Technology

KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) broke ground earlier this year on the new David T. Beals III Studio for Arts & Technology. The studio will house a digital laboratory for 3-D printing, rapid prototyping, CNC-routing, and more for students, faculty and creative leaders throughout the community. The project is made possible thanks to a gift of $1.5 million from the David T. Beals III Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee.

Located in the center of campus, the new facility was designed by local architects Gould Evans and is being constructed by McCownGordon. The new facility includes a digital studio and an enclosed year-round sculpture studio that will provide an additional 3,969 square feet for expanded curricula designed for the 21^st-century student.

"Access to this type of innovative technology will allow students to experiment, take risks and expand the physical and conceptual boundaries of their projects," said the Nerman Family President, Tony Jones. "We are incredibly grateful to the David Beals Trust and Bank of America for understanding the importance of this project and making it a reality."

The Beals Studio will serve all KCAI students and plans are underway to introduce new courses through the continuing education program for summer camps and adult learners to use the technology.

According to Jones, "Building a printing and prototyping studio that specializes in digital input and output means that KCAI is preparing tomorrow's workforce. We're teaching advanced skills, while providing a valuable asset to our local creative community."

Since 1885 KCAI has supplied Kansas City with top creative talent by providing a rigorous education in art and design. This new, unique facility will be a center for collaboration and innovation within Kansas City's creative community. The Studio is scheduled to open on KCAI's campus this summer.

About the Kansas City Art Institute
Located in Kansas City, Mo. at 4415 Warwick Blvd., KCAI is a private, independent four-year college of art and design awarding the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with 13 studio majors. KCAI also offers a post-baccalaureate program in art education, certificate programs and continuing education courses. Founded in 1885, KCAI is Kansas City's oldest arts organization. For more, visit www.kcai.edu.

SOURCE Kansas City Art Institute

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