How artists and arts organizations can protect their identity

With the recent security breach of state tax records at the South Carolina Department of Revenue, the South Carolina Arts Commission is working with state officials to ensure that South Carolina artists and arts organizations are notified about the steps necessary to protect your identity.    INDIVIDUALS As you likely know, the State of South Carolina is providing one year of free credit protection for individual taxpayers. If you have not already done so, visit www.protectmyid.com/scdor and enter code SCDOR123 or call 1-866-578-5422 to enroll for one FREE year of identity theft protection.You must sign up by January 31, 2013. The S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs recommends other optional steps you can take to protect your identity, including placing a fraud alert and/or a security freeze on your credit report. Both services are free and relatively easy. We are providing the instructional PDFs here for you to download:  Minimizing the effects of a security breach (two pages) explains how to take these steps and provides phone numbers and websites. How to place, thaw or lift a security freeze (two pages) includes important details in an easy-to-read format.    NONPROFITS AND ARTS BUSINESSES  The State of South Carolina has arranged for free credit monitoring services for all S.C. businesses through Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corporation and Experian.    According to the S.C. Association of Nonprofits (SCANPO), nonprofits that file a 990-T with the S.C. Department of Revenue to report unrelated business income should sign up for the free monitoring services. This may include nonprofits with gift shops (such as museums) or those that engage in other types of merchandising.    If your organization only files a standard 990 with the IRS, your information was likely not involved in the data breach, however, there is no harm in signing up for the protection service. There is no cost and the sign-up process is quick and easy.    Businesses (including nonprofits) should register for both the Dun & Bradstreet service (www.dandb.com/sc/) or 800.279.9881 and the Experian service (www.smartbusinessreports.com/southcarolina). You must sign up by January 31, 2013. OTHER RESOURCES FOR EVERYONE     The Federal Trade Commission has two free publications explaining what to do in case of identify theft. We are providing these publications here for you to download:   Identify Theft: What to Know, What to Do (two pages) Taking Charge: What to Do if Your Identify is Stolen (to-do lists, contact information, blank forms and sample letters. 68 pages.)    These publications can be ordered in bulk for free atwww.ftc.gov/idtheft   If you need additional information regarding identity protection, visit theS.C. Department of Revenue's website. We will continue to monitor developments and share any new information we find.   Thank you, Ken May Executive Director South Carolina Arts Commission

What's The Hub?

The Hub is a new website curated by the South Carolina Arts Commission.  It's a great resource for all things related to the arts in the Palmetto State!

The Hub is designed to promote all that is special about the arts in South Carolina. The Hub includes arts news, resources, stories, best practices, calls for art, research, events, grantee spotlights, arts opportunities, etc.

Here's what Ken May, Executive Director of the Arts Commission, had to say about The Hub:

“The Hub is a one-stop shop where readers can find real-time news, events and resources they need to participate in and learn about the arts in South Carolina. We want to help residents and visitors find arts activities, direct artists and arts organizations to opportunities, and let our citizens know they can be proud of our state’s contributions to the arts. In fact, we want the world beyond our state’s borders to know that South Carolina is a place where the arts can and do thrive.” 

Click here to visit The Hub!

Note: The Hub will not replace the South Carolina Arts Commission's current website; rather it will serve as a user-friendly, interactive portal that will direct readers to more information on our main site, on Arts Daily, and on the websites of arts organizations and non-arts organizations.