Individual Artist Fellowships

Artists invited to apply for next round of Fellowships

Individual artists working in visual arts, craft, music composition or music performance may apply for theFY2016 Fellowship awards. Each Fellow receives $5,000.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 1, 2014.  Complete guidelines and the application are available online. 

Fellowships recognize and reward the artistic achievements of South Carolina's exceptional individual artists and may open doors to other resources and employment opportunities. Fellowship awards are made through a highly competitive, anonymous process and are based on artistic excellence only. The South Carolina Arts Commission board approves Fellowships based on recommendations made by out-of-state review panelists. 

SC Arts Commission Grant Opportunity

One-Time Project Grants are open to qualifying arts organizations, community-based organizations, units of government, colleges, universities and individual artists. Projects should provide arts opportunities for the public or support activities that enhance an organization's or individual artist's ability to provide services or reach career goals. 

Note: K-12 schools/school districts and current General Operating Support grantees are not eligible for this grant.

Examples of eligible activities:

• Fees for guest artists
• Public art projects
• Development of performances, productions, presentations or exhibitions
• Presenting classes, workshops or conferences
• Attending classes, workshops or conferences
• Purchase of necessary technology or equipment

Due to the one-time availability of this funding, we encourage applicants to apply for one-time rather than recurring activities. Activities that are already underway are eligible, and project budgets may include expenses from July 1, 2014 forward. Projects must be completed by June 1, 2015.

Review the complete guidelines: 

• for artists
• for organizations

Applications are due by Sept. 2, 2014.     

Statewide Arts Conference in Columbia- September 18

Attention Artists: Apply to attend the Artists U/SC Intensive weekend!

Apply to attend the Artists U/SC Intensive weekend Application due May 2 On June 13-15, 2014, the South Carolina Arts Commission's Artists' Ventures Initiative will host the Artists U/SC Intensive in downtown Spartanburg, S.C. Drawing on his work with Artists U/Philadelphia, artist leader Andrew Simonet will outline approaches for reconnecting with our deep values, building community, and slaying the two demons of the artist's life: time and money. Topics to be discussed: Why artists are poor and why they shouldn't be Tools artists have used to make things easier How to build a life that is balanced, productive and sustainable Artists U's South Carolina leaders, Tamara LaValla, Karen Ann Myers and Rodney Rogers, will join Andrew in leading workshops and exercises he has developed over eight years of working with artists nationally. Another feature of the Artists U/SC Intensive weekend is the opportunity for seven selected artists to receive a follow-up one-on-one planning session. It's a 90-minute conversation with an artist facilitator about whatever you want to talk about. You set the agenda, and the facilitator asks a lot of questions. The facilitators don't give advice; they help turn challenges and goals into plans and to-do lists. These sessions have been HUGELY helpful for artists. Throughout the weekend intensive, we will talk about a lot of Big Things: money, time, planning, etc. The one-on-one sessions are a chance to look specifically at what YOU are facing and working toward. The one-on-one sessions will take place Sunday between 9:30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. You will be notified of your time slot if you are selected for a one-on-one. Make the most out of this incredible weekend of free assistance and apply today!   How to apply Any South Carolina artist may apply to attend. There is no cost, but class size is limited. You must be able to attend both sessions: Friday, June 13 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. AND Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. And, if you apply for a one-on-one session and are selected, you must be available for your 90-minute appointment to be scheduled: Sunday, June 15 anytime between 9:30 a.m and 3:30 p.m. Be aware that if you are traveling from out of town, you will be responsible for your own lodging, meals and transportation expenses. The weekend intensive is free. You will receive additional information about the location and host hotel after your application to attend is accepted. Complete this online application to apply.  Applications are due Friday, May 2, 2014. Selected applicants will be notified via e-mail by May 16, 2014. If you have any questions about this application or the Artists U/SC Intensive weekend, please contact Joy Young (803-734-8203). Visit the South Carolina Arts Commission's website for more information about the S.C. Artists' Ventures Initiative.

March 3rd is the deadline for South Carolina's FIrst Novel Competition

The South Carolina Arts Commission, Hub City Press and The HumanitiesCouncilSC announce a call for submissions for the biennial South Carolina First Novel Prize. Guidelines, eligibilty requirements and the application are available online. The application deadline is March 3, 2014.

The competition judge is Ben Fountain of Dallas, Texas, who won the National Book Critics Circle book prize in 2012 for Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk. His other honors include the PEN/Hemmingway Award, a Pushcart Prize, two O. Henry Awards, two Texas Institute of Letters Short Story Awards and a Whiting Writers Award.

The winning author will receive a book contract with Hub City Press, an award-winning independent press in Spartanburg, S.C. The winner will receive a $1,000 advance against royalties, and Hub City will publish at least 1,500 copies of the book.

The First Novel Prize provides significant promotion, including an invitation from The Humanities CouncilSC to appear and sign books at the 2015 South Carolina Book Festival in Columbia.

Susan Tekulve of Spartanburg was winner of the 2012 competition. Her book, In the Garden of Stone, was published in May 2013 and was nationally reviewed by such publications as Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews and Library Journal. Additionally, Tekulve has toured bookstores throughout the Southeast and participated, or will participate, on panels at the Southern Book Festival, the South Carolina Book Festival and the High Country Festival of the Book.

Matt Matthews of Greer was the winner of the 2010 competition. His book, Mercy Creek, was published in 2011. Brian Ray of Columbia was the winner of theinaugural novel competition. His book, Through the Pale Door, was published by Hub City in June 2009. Both books have been widely and favorably reviewed across the Southeast.

The South Carolina First Novel Prize is funded by the South Carolina Arts Commission, Hub City Press and the Phifer/Johnson Foundation of Spartanburg, S.C. The Humanities CouncilSC is a founding partner.

For more information, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call (803) 734-8696.

Hub City Press, founded in 1995, has published more than 65 books by regional authors, won 12 national and regional IPPY awards from Independent Publishermagazine, is a recipient of the Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Governor’s Award for the Arts, and has partnered with the S.C. Arts Commission on five previous book projects. For more information, visit www.hubcity.org or call (864) 577-9349.

The Humanities CouncilSC is in its 40th year as the state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The mission of The Humanities CouncilSC is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. The Humanities CouncilSC programs and initiatives are balanced, reflect sensitivity to a diversity of ideas, encourage open dialogue, demonstrate integrity, and are ethical in operations. For more information, visitwww.schumanities.org or call (803) 771-2477.

The South Carolina Arts Commission is the state agency charged with creating a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their location or circumstances. Created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the Arts Commission works to increase public participation in the arts by providing services, grants and leadership initiatives in three areas: arts education, community arts development and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Arts Commission is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts and other sources. For more information, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call (803) 734-8696.

'The African American Voice' exhibition in Lake City

Fowl Play: That's Life by Terry K. Hunter (mixed media)

Citizens in the Pee Dee and surrounding areas have the opportunity to view works by African-American artists who are among the state’s best-known and widely celebrated practitioners.The African-American Voice exhibition runs January 31 through March 22 at the Jones-Carter Gallery, 105 Henry St. in Lake City. The public is invited to the opening reception on January 31 from 6 - 9 p.m.

Coordinated by Harriett Green, visual arts director at the South Carolina Arts Commission, the exhibition includes 40 pieces of artwork in all media from the State Art Collection. The pieces are by 25 African-American artists who range from self-taught, outsider artists such as Richard Burnside, Leroy Marshall and Dan Robert Miller, to academically trained artists with established careers such as Leo Twiggs, Arthur Rose and Tarleton Blackwell.

“A number of these artists are legendary as arts educators as well. Their influences and contributions extend beyond image and object making,” said Green, who sees the show as an opportunity for area residents to learn more about the contribution of African-American artists in South Carolina.

A preview of The African-American Voice artwork is available online atwww.SouthCarolinaArts.com.

The exhibition is free to the public. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, contact the Jones-Carter Gallery, (843) 374-1505.

Organizations and businesses interested in hosting an exhibition or displaying works from the State Art Collection should contact Harriett Green at (803) 734-8696. In addition to The African American Voice, two other traveling exhibitions are available: Contemporary Conversations and Points of Departure: Vessel Forms from the State Art Collection.

About the State Art Collection

The State Art Collection is considered the most comprehensive public collection of works by contemporary South Carolina artists. Established in 1967 as one of the first programs of the South Carolina Arts Commission, the State Art Collection has grown to include 448 works in a variety of media and styles by 277 South Carolina contemporary artists.

Small exhibitions featuring work from the collection are organized on a regular basis for

rural and isolated areas inside and outside of the state. Works from the State Art

Collection are available for loan to art museums, state agencies, and public and private organizations for the purpose of public exhibition or public display. The collection is supported in part by the South Carolina Arts Foundation and Kahn Development Company.

About the South Carolina Arts Commission

The South Carolina Arts Commission is the state agency charged with creating a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their location or circumstances. Created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the Arts Commission works to increase public participation in the arts by providing services, grants and leadership initiatives in three areas: arts education, community arts development and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Arts Commission is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts and other sources. For more information, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call (803) 734-8696.

March 3rd is the deadline for South Carolina's FIrst Novel Competition

The South Carolina Arts Commission, Hub City Press and The Humanities CouncilSC announce a call for submissions for the biennial South Carolina First Novel Prize. Guidelines, eligibilty requirements and the application are available online. The application deadline is March 3, 2014.

The competition judge is Ben Fountain of Dallas, Texas, who won the National Book Critics Circle book prize in 2012 for Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk. His other honors include the PEN/Hemmingway Award, a Pushcart Prize, two O. Henry Awards, two Texas Institute of Letters Short Story Awards and a Whiting Writers Award.

The winning author will receive a book contract with Hub City Press, an award-winning independent press in Spartanburg, S.C. The winner will receive a $1,000 advance against royalties, and Hub City will publish at least 1,500 copies of the book.

The First Novel Prize provides significant promotion, including an invitation from The Humanities CouncilSC to appear and sign books at the 2015 South Carolina Book Festival in Columbia.

Susan Tekulve of Spartanburg was winner of the 2012 competition. Her book, In the Garden of Stone, was published in May 2013 and was nationally reviewed by such publications as Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews and Library Journal. Additionally, Tekulve has toured bookstores throughout the Southeast and participated, or will participate, on panels at the Southern Book Festival, the South Carolina Book Festival and the High Country Festival of the Book.

Matt Matthews of Greer was the winner of the 2010 competition. His book, Mercy Creek, was published in 2011. Brian Ray of Columbia was the winner of theinaugural novel competition. His book, Through the Pale Door, was published by Hub City in June 2009. Both books have been widely and favorably reviewed across the Southeast.

The South Carolina First Novel Prize is funded by the South Carolina Arts Commission, Hub City Press and the Phifer/Johnson Foundation of Spartanburg, S.C. The Humanities CouncilSC is a founding partner.

For more information, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call (803) 734-8696.

Hub City Press

Hub City Press, founded in 1995, has published more than 65 books by regional authors, won 12 national and regional IPPY awards from Independent Publishermagazine, is a recipient of the Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Governor’s Award for the Arts, and has partnered with the S.C. Arts Commission on five previous book projects. For more information, visit www.hubcity.org or call (864) 577-9349.

The Humanities CouncilSC

The Humanities CouncilSC is in its 40th year as the state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The mission of The Humanities CouncilSC is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. The Humanities CouncilSC programs and initiatives are balanced, reflect sensitivity to a diversity of ideas, encourage open dialogue, demonstrate integrity, and are ethical in operations. For more information, visitwww.schumanities.org or call (803) 771-2477.

About the South Carolina Arts Commission:
The South Carolina Arts Commission is the state agency charged with creating a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their location or circumstances. Created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the Arts Commission works to increase public participation in the arts by providing services, grants and leadership initiatives in three areas: arts education, community arts development and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Arts Commission is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts and other sources. For more information, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call (803) 734-8696.

March 3rd is the deadline for South Carolina's FIrst Novel Competition

Click here to view the application instructions.

December 16th: Deadline for Nominations for the Verner and Harris Awards

The S.C. Arts Commission is accepting nominations through Dec. 16 for the 2014 Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Governor's Awards for the Arts and the Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Awards. The Verner awards are the state's highest honor in the arts, presented to businesses, organizations and individuals for their achievement in or contributions to the advancement of the arts. Created by the state legislature to recognize lifetime achievement in the traditional arts, the Folk Heritage Award is presented in partnership with USC's McKissick Museum to practitioners and advocates of traditional arts significant to communities throughout the state.

Verner & Harris Awards Nomination Deadline set for December 16th

The S.C. Arts Commission is accepting nominations through Dec. 16 for the 2014 Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Governor's Awards for the Arts and the Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Awards. The Verner awards are the state's highest honor in the arts, presented to businesses, organizations and individuals for their achievement in or contributions to the advancement of the arts. Created by the state legislature to recognize lifetime achievement in the traditional arts, the Folk Heritage Award is presented in partnership with USC's McKissick Museum to practitioners and advocates of traditional arts significant to communities throughout the state.

Artists' Ventures Initiative Grants Available for Artist-Entrepreneurs

The South Carolina Arts Commission supports the growth and development of creative businesses by offering S.C. artists up to $5,000 to launch a new venture or significantly alter an existing venture. South Carolina Artists' Ventures Initiative grants are open to artists (individuals and collaboratives) with a strong plan for an artist-driven, arts-based business venture.

The grant application is a two-part process, with letters of intent due Dec. 13. Selected applicants will be invited to develop a full grant proposal. Guidelines are available at www.SouthCarolinaArts.com.Because this is a highly competitive process, artists considering applying for this grant are encouraged to discuss your project with your S.C. Arts Commission coordinator before applying.

Artists who receive grants become part of the S.C. Artists' Ventures Initiative “business incubator,” which brings grantees together regularly for in-depth progress reviews and business training. The gatherings are led by Andrew Simonet, who founded Artists U in Philadelphia to provide artists with planning and professional development programs. The training can be a life-changing experience, according to artist Kimi Maeda, a 2013 AVI grant recipient.

"Before the retreat I felt so much frustration as an artist -- powerless and at the mercy of external forces," said Maeda. "However, after that retreat I saw that I could take control of my professional career. I dreamed big. I set goals. And most importantly, I figured out what steps to take in order to reach those goals. Winning the Artists’ Ventures Initiatives grant for Belle et Bête has been a huge step in the process. The incredible support we received from the Arts Commission allowed us to push ourselves well beyond our comfort zones."

The S.C. Artists' Ventures Initiative is dedicated to improving conditions for S.C. artists by helping them develop the knowledge and skills to build satisfying, sustainable careers. SCAVI was initially funded by a grant from Leveraging Investments in Creativity (LINC), a national initiative that worked to improve conditions for artists.

About the S.C. Arts Commission: The South Carolina Arts Commission is the state agency charged with creating a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their location or circumstances. Created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the Arts Commission works to increase public participation in the arts by providing services, grants and leadership initiatives in three areas: arts education, community arts development and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Arts Commission is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts and other sources.

May 17th: Audience Development & Marketing for Nonprofit Arts & Entertainment Management Industry Workshop

The South Carolina Arts Commission is partnering with the USC Department of Sport and Entertainment Management to offer "Making Money: Audience Development and Marketing for the Nonprofit Arts and Entertainment Management Industry."

This seminar will explore how successful audience development and marketing strategies can generate greater income. Participants will learn how to link audience development and marketing to artistic and financial objectives; develop an organization-wide focus on audience development; analyze their current situation and market; and set audience development objectives, implement strategies and measure success.

Who should attend: Staff responsible for marketing, audience development, box office management, ticketing and database management, as well as executive directors and board members.

Featured speaker: Sara Billman, marketing and communications director for the University Musical Society, a 134-year-old presenting organization at the University of Michigan. Billman will address consumer behavior theories to explore what influences patrons.

The seminar takes place May 17 at the USC Capstone Conference Center in Columbia. Early bird registration is just $69. Find out more and register!

May 17th: Audience Development & Marketing for Nonprofit Arts & Entertainment Management Industry Workshop

The South Carolina Arts Commission is partnering with the USC Department of Sport and Entertainment Management to offer "Making Money: Audience Development and Marketing for the Nonprofit Arts and Entertainment Management Industry."

This seminar will explore how successful audience development and marketing strategies can generate greater income. Participants will learn how to link audience development and marketing to artistic and financial objectives; develop an organization-wide focus on audience development; analyze their current situation and market; and set audience development objectives, implement strategies and measure success.

Who should attend: Staff responsible for marketing, audience development, box office management, ticketing and database management, as well as executive directors and board members.

Featured speaker: Sara Billman, marketing and communications director for the University Musical Society, a 134-year-old presenting organization at the University of Michigan. Billman will address consumer behavior theories to explore what influences patrons.

The seminar takes place May 17 at the USC Capstone Conference Center in Columbia. Early bird registration is just $69. Find out more and register!  

FRAA Awards 5 Quarterly Grants

The Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) recently awarded five grants through its Quarterly Grants Program.  "We had an outstanding group of applicants and the recipients are definitely very deserving," said Bruce Douglas, Executive Director of FRAA.  

The five grant recipients are: Dolores Johnson's Phat Pheet Dance Team of Williams Middle School, the Masterworks Choir, Lake City Community Theatre, Chrissy Thompson of Greenwood Elementary School and the Florence Symphony Orchestra. 

"Our Quarterly Grants Program allows us to assist organizations throughout Florence County. We are pleased with the programs and projects we are supporting now and look forward to assisting more organizations and artists in the future," said Quincy Kennedy, President of FRAA. 

FRAA's Quarterly Grants Program is partially funded by South Carolina Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as from a generous contribution by the John and Susan Bennett Memorial Arts Fund of the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina. Additional funding is provided by Honda of South Carolina. Since FRAA's Grants Program's inception in 1987, over $250,000 in financial support to individual artists, organizations, teachers, and schools has been awarded.  For more information about FRAA's Quarterly Grants Program, click here.

Established in 1984, the Florence Regional Arts Alliance is a community-based non-profit organization that is committed to preserving, supporting, and promoting the Arts in Florence County. Additionally, FRAA strives to promote and strengthen the arts in the region through its online arts marketing initiative, Pee Dee Arts.

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.

July 24th: Grants Writing Workshop at the Florence Library

Grants Writing Workshop

for Community Cultural Projects


Don't miss this FREE grants writing workshop!  

July 24  

9:45 a.m - 12:30 p.m.  

Florence County Library 

Florence, S.C.    

The Grants Writing Workshop for Community Cultural Projects is specifically designed for staff and volunteers of cultural organizations (arts centers, libraries, historical societies, community theaters, etc.); however, other nonprofits are welcome to attend.        Hosted by The Humanities CouncilSC in partnership with the Florence County Library System, the South Carolina Arts Commission, the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, and the South Carolina State Library, the workshop features: general grants writing techniques an overview of local and federal funding opportunities for cultural projects time for questions and networking  unique learning opportunities for cultural organizations of all sizes  opportunities for partnership building between local organizations with similar missions.   The workshop is free, but each person attending MUST pre-register. More information will be provided to registered participants.  Register today! For more information about the workshop, contact T.J. Wallace at (803) 771-2477 or visit the website:  http://schumanities.org/grants/workshop.