CoCre8 is an experimental model of collaborative arts education that brings together a cohort of students (8th grade through high school), 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.

The cohort kicked off their time together with a 3-part multidisciplinary arts workshop series in April through June; from June 24-28 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 Friday, June 28 the program participants will exhibit their art during a reception at the Arts Incubator – stop by to learn more about this innovative program and see what they’ve created! Artworks will also be on view during gallery hours (12-6pm) on July 1-2.

Pictured: CoCre8 artwork, June 2017

Participating Urban Gateways Artists (2019):

Lional “Brother El” Freeman
Raivyn Jenkins
Gingarte Capoeira Chicago

Participating Schools: