KC Reporter

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City has announced a new five-year strategic plan and several leadership changes as it marks its 30th anniversary. The plan, which covers 2025 through 2029, aims to guide the museum’s growth and development across four key areas: programming, public engagement, philanthropy, and governance.

The strategic plan follows a year-long process involving board members, staff, and community participants. It seeks to position the museum as an inclusive leader in contemporary art by enhancing curatorial practices, expanding audience outreach, modernizing fundraising efforts, and improving organizational management.

Executive Director Jessica May commented on the direction of the institution: “I believe the new Strategic Plan will set in motion a tremendous institutional transformation, retaining the founding principles set by Crosby and Bebe Kemper in 1994, while thoroughly capitalizing on the opportunities of our current cultural moment.

The Museum and its larger Kansas City community are in a moment of exciting transformation, and we are so fortunate that Bill Gautreaux and Erica McGeachy Crenshaw will provide the next generation of insight on the Kemper Museum’s board. In addition, Mary Kemper Wolf’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping the Museum into the dynamic institution it is today.”

The museum has also appointed William (Bill) Gautreaux as Board Chair and Erica McGeachy Crenshaw as Vice Chair. Mary Kemper Wolf was named Lifetime Chair Emerita for her years of service. Sheila Kemper Dietrich joined as a new trustee.

Board Chair Bill Gautreaux noted: “This is an exciting moment for the museum to deliver more impact, both regionally and nationally. I have long admired the museum’s legacy collection and how the artistic program builds on this year after year. This is all amplified by the intimacy of our space and the ability to dine in or host an event. The founders went way beyond their own collection and aspired for curatorial excellence in contemporary art...the art of our time. We will build on that vision supporting generations of artists and impacting the thoughts and feelings of people in all our communities.”

Jennifer Wampler joined as Chief Development Officer in June 2025 after previous fundraising roles at Kansas City Ballet and UMKC Conservatory. Her arrival comes during a period when Kemper Museum has completed requirements to demonstrate its public charity status—a milestone following significant institutional growth—and plans to expand fundraising initiatives with support from local foundations and private donors.

More details about Kemper Museum’s mission can be found at https://www.kemperart.org/mission. The full strategic plan is available at bit.ly/kemper-museum-strategic-plan-2025-2029.

Founded in 1994 as Missouri's first contemporary art museum, Kemper holds nearly 1,500 works with a focus on artists from underrepresented backgrounds. Admission remains free due to member support. The institution presents eight to ten major exhibitions each year along with diverse programs for visitors of all ages.

Kemper Museum operates independently as a nonprofit organization; further information can be accessed at kemperart.org.