CoCre8 is an experimental model of collaborative arts education that brings together a cohort of high school students and educators, artists, and arts administrators to look at, talk about, and make art – breaking down traditional hierarchies as participants engage in the creative process together. The project was launched in 2013 by the Smart Museum of Art, the University of Chicago’s Arts + Public Life Initiative, Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, and Urban Gateways.

This year the cohort kicked off their time together with a 3-part workshop series in May and June, which included a chance to explore the Smart Museum’s collection and to experience live music, dance, and theater performances at the Arts Incubator. From June 25-29 they will participate in a week-long intensive, responding to their creative experiences and collaborating on multidisciplinary projects (which have ranged over the years from public art installations to sculpture, video, and more). On June 29 the program participants will exhibit their art during a culminating event – stop by to learn more about this innovative program and see what they’ve created!

Pictured: Artwork from CoCre8 2017. See more on our Flickr.