Through the Creativity Project, the Mondavi Center will explore how artists create; support and commission new works; and engage audience members in a deeper relationship with contemporary art by creating a context for understanding how that work came to be.  A work-in-progress, the Project is designed in collaboration with a committee of faculty, staff, and students across the UC Davis campus.

The Creativity Project blog by Christine Chen

At the center of the project will be a series of interactions with the works of a great American artist, choreographer Merce Cunningham, whose company will perform two nights in Jackson Hall.  Two professional ensembles connected to UC Davis, the Empyrean Ensemble, under the co-direction of Laurie San Martin and Kurt Rohde, and Sideshow Physical Theatre, led by Della Davidson, will premiere new pieces inspired by Cunningham and the Creativity Project.  The celebrated Kronos Quartet also will participate, performing new works by contemporary composers, while early music ensemble Mala Punica will share the creative process involved in performing 14th century music.   In addition, the Robert L. Nelson Gallery will exhibit works by sculptor Leonard Drew, who has collaborated with Merce Cunningham.

Through interviews, panel discussions, podcasts, performances, and more, community members will have an opportunity to explore the creative process with each of the artists involved and reach a deeper understanding of the creative potential in all of us.

The Creativity Project includes the following events: