Organizational History

In 1963 Columbia College Chicago was founded with a commitment to be a vital, vested member of its urban community.  In 1998, the Center for Community Arts Partnerships (CCAP) was established to further that commitment.  Founded on a mission to link the academic departments of Columbia College with diverse communities throughout the city, CCAP began its operations in partnership with four Columbia College departments (Fiction Writing, Theater, Television and Video, and Art and Design) and four community-based organizations. Over the years, CCAP has grown from a two-person office to a staff of 24 full-time and 130 part-time employees, and over 170 partners.  Together, CCAP and its many partners have created and implemented a variety of quality arts education programs and initiatives that provide an invaluable experience of community as the larger classroom for all participants.  Today, CCAP serves as an international model of what can be achieved through innovative collaboration between college, public schools and communities.