Jason Rapp

    S.C. Arts Awards to stream live again in 2021

    Virtual presentation planned for May 24

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Arts Awards will honor South Carolinians for their exceptional achievements in, support of, or advocacy for the arts during a professionally produced online streaming presentation planned for Monday, May 24, 2020 at 6 p.m. The South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) and partner McKissick Museum at the University of South Carolina look forward to honoring the seven recipients of the South Carolina Governor’s Awards for the Arts and two recipients of the Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Awards in a special online presentation on SouthCarolinaArts.com. Lead host and SCAC Executive Director David Platts will be joined again by South Carolina First Lady Peggy McMaster as co-host from the Governor’s Mansion. UofSC McKissick Museum Executive Director Jane Przybysz will join Platts and McMaster to announce the Folk Heritage Award recipients. Platts will announce the Governor’s Award recipients. Before the pandemic, the South Carolina Arts Awards were presented at an in-person ceremony. Rather than cancel in 2020, the ceremony was shifted to a virtual format that was successful for its extended reach and production quality. After overwhelmingly positive feedback—and with lingering COVID-19 transmission concerns—the ceremony will again be presented online, at no cost to viewers anywhere. Surprise guests will join to help introduce each recipient. Mini-films by South Carolina filmmakers Drew Baron, Lynn Cornfoot, Abe Duenas, Patrick Hayes, Roni Henderson, Lee Ann Kornegay, and Ebony Wilson will debut, telling each recipient’s story. The filmmakers worked under the direction of producer Betsy Newman. Location shooting for the ceremony and production of the stream are being provided by Midlands-based iSite Multimedia and Fisher Films. The Governor’s Award recipients were announced in February. The recipients are:
    • Tom Flowers (posthumous, Greenville): Lifetime Achievement Award
    • Charlton Singleton (Charleston): Artist Category
    • Jennifer Clark Evins (Spartanburg): Individual Category
    • Tayloe Harding (Columbia): Arts in Education Category
    • Colonial Life (Columbia): Business/Foundation Category
    • ColaJazz Foundation (Columbia): Organization Category
    • Marjory Wentworth (Mount Pleasant): Special Award
    The Folk Heritage Award recipients were also announced in February. Being honored are:
    • Jugnu Verma (Lexington): Traditional Indian folk arts
    • Robert W. Hill, III (Plantersville): Advocacy, American long rifles and accoutrements
     About the South Carolina Arts Commission The mission of the South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) is to promote equitable access to the arts and support the cultivation of creativity in South Carolina. We envision a South Carolina where the arts are valued and all people benefit from a variety of creative experiences. A state agency created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the SCAC works to increase public participation in the arts by providing grants, direct programs, staff assistance and partnerships in three key areas: arts education, community arts development, and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the SCAC is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts, and other sources. Visit SouthCarolinaArts.com or call 803.734.8696, and follow @scartscomm on social media. About McKissick Museum The University of South Carolina’s McKissick Museum tells the story of southern life: community, culture, and the environment. The Museum, located on the University of South Carolina’s historic Horseshoe, has more than 140,000 objects in its collection, including one of the most extensive natural science collections in the Southeast. For visitation information, online exhibits, and more, please visit sc.edu/mckissickmuseum.

    Jason Rapp

    Grants Roundup: Deadlines for the Week of May 10

    SCAC Deadlines and Coaching Opportunities

    Though not the only way, grants are among the main ways the SCAC accomplishes its work.

    Because of their importance to that, and what they mean to so many of you, The Hub wants to help keep Arts Commission grants top-of-mind and reduce the number of times we hear people say, "If only we'd known about (X or Y) grant!"

    We can't reach everybody, but we can try. On Mondays* with deadlines on the horizon, "Grants Roundup" highlights first what grants are due that week and then includes what's coming later in increments.

    *The Roundup might run on Tuesdays when state holidays occur on a Monday.

    Grant Deadlines

    The state of South Carolina and South Carolina Arts Commission fiscal year runs July 1-June 30 each year. We are currently in FY21.

    THIS WEEK

    These are to serve mainly as final reminders to finish in-progress applications. Most grant applications simply cannot be undertaken well in this short a time frame. Consult an appropriate member of our team with questions.

    • n/a

    NEXT WEEK

    • MAY 17: ABC Advancement (For current grantees only; we regret no new funding is available)

    NEXT 30(ish) DAYS

    • n/a

    ROLLING-DEADLINE GRANTS

    These grants offer convenient, rolling deadlines, but you are advised to apply at least six weeks before your project for some. Check guidelines for specific instructions.

    These S.C. Arts Commission rolling deadline grant programs are temporarily suspended to focus our efforts on supporting grantees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Important Notes

    • You are encouraged to also consult the SCAC grants page for up-to-date information on all grant deadlines (subject to change) and deadlines for non-grant programs.
    • For next steps, grant guidance, and more information, consult the appropriate member of our team if you are an artist or represent local organizations, an educational institution, or a non-arts business or organization offering arts programming.

    Grants Coaching

    Learn the ins and outs of the South Carolina Arts Commission grant application process and how to manage one of our grants from the professionals on the Grants Team! Grants Coaching topical sessions are held the first Thursday of every month.

    • Thursday, June 3, 11 a.m.: Operating Support Application/Final Report Change

    The free topical discussion is held via Zoom. Registration is required. Need to get some assistance with something else? Try a one-on-one call. The Grants Team is available to answer your questions about the grants process with 15- or 30-minute sessions, Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit the Grants Coaching page for further information and registration links.

    OPEN COACHING CALLS FOR ARTIST DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

    Artist Services Director Ce Scott-Fitts and the SCAC Grants Team are using Zoom to host open coaching calls on artist development grants to better enable artists to make competitive applications for our competitive grants. The sessions are free, but you must register in advance.

    • Next call TBA

    APPLICANT COACHING CALLS

    SCAC program directors are hosts of periodic informational sessions using Zoom about currently-available grant opportunities. Each session reviews a grant's guidelines and application and includes a Q&A session. Sessions are free, but you must register in advance by visiting the link below to a grant's guidelines page.

    • Next call TBA

    Submitted material

    Online intensive planned for Artists U

    Sustaining Through + Beyond the Pandemic

    The transitions out of lockdown offer big opportunities and challenges for artists.

    This online workshop brings the fundamentals of Artists U (planning, finances, time management, mission) to this complex moment. Now is a powerful moment to imagine and plan what is next for our work, our lives, and our communities. This June, plan to meet on Zoom three Wednesdays in a row. We will take breaks, we will breathe. We will build a positive, rigorous conversation about building balanced and sustainable lives as artists. You will get assignments between each session. Plan on an hour or two each week. Here’s the schedule:
    • Wednesday, June 9, 12-1:30 p.m.
    • Wednesday, June 16, 12-1:30 p.m.
    • Wednesday, June 23, 12-1:30 p.m.
    Who is eligible to participate? Any South Carolina artist. Do you have to attend all three sessions? Yes. And we will give you brief assignments (1-2 hours) for each session. How much does it cost? It’s free, thanks to support from the South Carolina Arts Commission. How do I register? You can sign up here.

    Jason Rapp

    Chapman finds new facilities director within

    Spartanburg's Chapman Cultural Center, front view of the building from street.

    Chapman Cultural Center is pleased to announce that Tarah S. Dawkins has been promoted to the position of director of facility operations for the Spartanburg arts giant.

    According to a news release, Dawkins joined the organization in 2016 and has assisted the president & CEO in managing payables, vendor relationships, crisis management, operational needs, and supervising the cultural center facilities and security. Prior to joining Chapman Cultural Center, Dawkins worked in the field of property management in Atlanta. The facilities director is responsible for the efficient operation, maintenance, and management of the facilities owned and operated by Chapman Cultural Center Inc, including Chapman Cultural Center and Mayfair Art Studios. The grounds of the Chapman Cultural Center consist of approximately five acres of parking lots, facilities, and land. Mayfair Art Studios is a 20,000 square foot facility operated by Chapman Cultural Center adjacent to the Arcadia Station Lofts in Spartanburg. As the facilities director, Dawkins is responsible for supervising the facilities maintenance technician, security personnel, Mayfair Art Studios operations manager, the office and event services manager, and theatre services manager, plus contracted custodial personnel.

    Submitted material

    Halsey Institute is hiring a development coordinator

      APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, June 11, 2021

    Join a fast-growing contemporary art organization and help us secure the support needed to bring innovative and adventurous programming to the community!

    The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston is searching for a development coordinator to help with our mission-centric fundraising efforts and be the main point of contact for our awesome members. This entry-level, full-time position works with our senior staff on the long-term strategic success and growth of our membership program and other funding initiatives like grants and our Community Partners program. Apply online and learn more about the position at https://jobs.cofc.edu/postings/10642.

    Submitted material

    Columbia-area artist directory opens

    If you're interested in learning more about or connecting with other creatives in the Midlands region, there's a new resource.

    Thanks to a partnership with former Richland Library artist-in-residence (AiR) Crush Rush and One Columbia for Arts & Culture, Richland Library is excited to announce the launch of the Local Artist Directory. It provides an online platform for local artists to share a brief biography, indicate their art medium or area of focus, and exhibit some of their work. They can also add ways to communicate by listing a personal or business website, social media channels, and contact information. You can view the Local Artist Directory through our website at richlandlibrary.com/art and One Columbia for Arts & Culture's website at https://www.onecolumbiasc.com/artist. The Local Artist Directory was part of Rush's final project as the library's artist-in-residence at the end of 2020. He proposed working with One Columbia for Arts & Culture to offer a free online resource that features working artists and allows local residents to engage with or hire artists in our community. If you're interested in becoming part of the Local Artist Directory, you can create an artist profile by visiting https://www.onecolumbiasc.com/artist/. For questions, please contact Emily Stoll at 803.587.3637 or estoll@richlandlibrary.com.

    About Richland Library

    Awarded the National Medal in 2017 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Richland Library is a vibrant, contemporary organization that provides resources and information that advance the Midlands. Offering state-of-the-art technology, a variety of literary and cultural programs and 13 bustling facilities located throughout the county, Richland Library provides a truly customizable, modern library experience for residents and visitors alike.

    Submitted material

    Call for Artists: WOVEN / Juneteenth Juried Show

    The Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg, in partnership with the Chapman Cultural Center, seeks to highlight the work of outstanding BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists in the southeastern region through their upcoming juried exhibition, WOVEN.

    Artists working in all mediums are invited to apply, with a special emphasis on folk art and craft. Woven is an exhibition that will highlight works of creatives such as quilters, weavers, musicians and visual artists from the southeast region. This exhibition and accompanying event seeks to celebrate and commemorate the visual storytelling and traditions in conversation with the African Diaspora. Through this presentation of visual storytelling and craft-based works we seek to broaden intergenerational narratives of BIPOC experiences and creative practices. Accepted works will be exhibited in conjunction with the Guild’s Summer Solstice Art Market and Juneteenth Festival, taking place on June 19, 2021. This exhibition will be held in the first-floor gallery space at the Chapman Cultural Center, which receives high foot traffic and is open to the public Mon-Sat.

    More

     

    Jason Rapp

    Grants Roundup: Deadlines for the Week of May 3

    SCAC Deadlines and Coaching Opportunities

    Though not the only way, grants are among the main ways the SCAC accomplishes its work.

    Because of their importance to that, and what they mean to so many of you, The Hub wants to help keep Arts Commission grants top-of-mind and reduce the number of times we hear people say, "If only we'd known about (X or Y) grant!"

    We can't reach everybody, but we can try. On Mondays* with deadlines on the horizon, "Grants Roundup" highlights first what grants are due that week and then includes what's coming later in increments.

    *The Roundup might run on Tuesdays when state holidays occur on a Monday.

    Grant Deadlines

    The state of South Carolina and South Carolina Arts Commission fiscal year runs July 1-June 30 each year. We are currently in FY21.

    THIS WEEK

    These are to serve mainly as final reminders to finish in-progress applications. Most grant applications simply cannot be undertaken well in this short a time frame. Consult an appropriate member of our team with questions.

    • n/a

    NEXT WEEK

    • n/a

    NEXT 30(ish) DAYS

    • MAY 17: ABC Advancement (For current grantees only; we regret no new funding is available)

    ROLLING-DEADLINE GRANTS

    These grants offer convenient, rolling deadlines, but you are advised to apply at least six weeks before your project for some. Check guidelines for specific instructions.

    These S.C. Arts Commission rolling deadline grant programs are temporarily suspended to focus our efforts on supporting grantees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Important Notes

    • You are encouraged to also consult the SCAC grants page for up-to-date information on all grant deadlines (subject to change) and deadlines for non-grant programs.
    • For next steps, grant guidance, and more information, consult the appropriate member of our team if you are an artist or represent local organizations, an educational institution, or a non-arts business or organization offering arts programming.

    Grants Coaching

    Learn the ins and outs of the South Carolina Arts Commission grant application process and how to manage one of our grants from the professionals on the Grants Team! Grants Coaching topical sessions are held the first Thursday of every month.

    • Thursday, May 6, 11 a.m.: Updating Grant Contacts

    The free topical discussion is held via Zoom. Registration is required. Need to get some assistance with something else? Try a one-on-one call. The Grants Team is available to answer your questions about the grants process with 15- or 30-minute sessions, Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit the Grants Coaching page for further information and registration links.

    OPEN COACHING CALLS FOR ARTIST DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

    Artist Services Director Ce Scott-Fitts and the SCAC Grants Team are using Zoom to host open coaching calls on artist development grants to better enable artists to make competitive applications for our competitive grants. The sessions are free, but you must register in advance.

    • Next call TBA

    APPLICANT COACHING CALLS

    SCAC program directors are hosts of periodic informational sessions using Zoom about currently-available grant opportunities. Each session reviews a grant's guidelines and application and includes a Q&A session. Sessions are free, but you must register in advance by visiting the link below to a grant's guidelines page.

    • Next call TBA

    Jason Rapp

    Friday feel-good post: ‘Together While Apart’

    Seabrook Island artist spans coasts with project

    Deane Bowers set out to spread a positive message to fight prevailing "negativity, divisiveness, loss, and pessimism" running rampant with what she does best: making art.

    Deane Bowers, dressed in a white top with green scarf, holds a piece of art resembling the U.S. flag. Deane Bowers (provided photo) The Seabrook Island artist (right) says it best: "I decided I needed to find a way to bring people together, even if it was only a small one. I thought that if I could gather people, even people physically separated, to work towards something bigger than ourselves, that collectively we might find joy, fellowship and fun-and we could make a difference. I wanted to be a part of the solution, to offer something positive to a hurting world." So Bowers put out an open call for art on social media and used some personal contacts. Artists of diverse backgrounds and locations, 19 in all from eight states, were culled to lend their talents to a collective large piece. Thus, Together While Apart was born, a group of artists coming together amidst pandemic conditions with the collective wish to combat isolation, loneliness, and unhappiness during an unsettled time. Health worries, economic insecurity, racial strife—we're all aware.

    The creative process

    Much of Bowers' art comes from repurposed items, and the only art supplies she had in abundance at the time were recycled shipping boxes: a certain sign of the times and familiar refrain from most of us in the early days of lockdowns and restrictions. "I sent each artist several 6” x 6” square pieces of cut cardboard from these recycled boxes with one simple instruction: think outside of the box! My goal was that through the creative process, each artist would find an outlet for his or her feelings and eventually these emotions would transform into joy. Ultimately, our collective joys would be multiplied and shared with many others through our artwork," she said. "As the weeks passed, and I started receiving the squares back, I was repeatedly amazed by the imagination, talent and effort that each artist put forth in their cardboard. The result was so much more than I could ever imagine. The creative energy of the group was palpable, and our pieces seem to flow together with beautiful synergy. It was my honor to be the artist who pieced the squares together ... What started as discarded cardboard boxes stacked in my garage, ended as an incredible artistic collage of many beautiful souls who poured themselves into their work..."

    BONUS CONTENT: Bowers in her own words on the project, with pieces and their artists identified (YouTube)

    The artists

    • Deane Bowers (Seabrook Island, South Carolina)
    • Liz Brent (Chicago)
    • Sandy Buffie (Washington)
    • Nikki Contini (San Rafael, California)
    • Will Cooke with Jennifer Mildonian and Marcelle VanYahres (Charlottesville, Virginia)
    • Lynette Driver (Brevard, North Carolina)
    • Celie Gehring (Richmond, Virginia)
    • Lynn Karegeannes (Asheville, North Carolina)
    • Cathy Kleiman (Charleston)
    • Dayo Johnson (Nashville)
    • Amy Lauria (Painesville, Ohio)
    • Rachel McLaughlin (Charlottesville, Virginia)
    • Debbie Pompano (Hanover, Virginia)
    • Rebecca Potts (Los Angeles)
    • Frankie Slaughter (Richmond, Virginia)
    • Jim Weaver (Florence, Alabama)
    • Cindy Webb (Statesville, North Carolina)

    Where is it now?

    "The biggest thrill is that Together While Apart is featured on the Smithsonian's "Stories of 2020" online exhibit," Bowers said. The finished work is scheduled to be reviewed by the art review boards at both Cedars- Sinai Hospital in L.A. and McKissick Museum at the University of South Carolina. A large hospital in Richmond, Virginia is requesting to display it "for however long they can have it" and the Hickory Museum of Art has offered a six-month exhibit. And then? Bowers intends to gift to a non-profit or medical facility whose mission resonates with the group. They hope it inspires feelings of the love, warmth, and optimism that went into its creation. Together While Apart (2020). Click image to enlarge.

    Submitted material

    Columbia City Ballet posts three job openings

    APPLICATION DEADLINE: Thursday, July 1, 2021

    Columbia City Ballet, located at 1545 Main Street, Columbia, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts organization presenting productions throughout South Carolina and the United States.

    Founded in 1961, Columbia City Ballet is presently celebrating its 60th anniversary year of continuous performance seasons. A fully professional ballet company, Columbia City Ballet presents 4 to 5 mainstage full-length ballets each performance season and 2 productions from our acclaimed Educational Outreach and Engagement Series, along with maintaining an extensive touring calendar. (Source: Columbia City Ballet) The company is a frequent grantee of the South Carolina Arts Commission. Unrelated to that, it is submitting postings for three open positions to The Hub. The applications for each are identical and appear at the end of this post. - Ed.

    Marketing Director

    The Marketing Director has responsibility for media and advertising purchases and trade negotiations, in addition to advertising production including designing ads for print, digital & static billboards, posters and other marketing pieces. This Director also coordinates special events and fundraising activities such as the annual gala as well as producing printed material such as brochures, dancebills, and other publications related to the organization. The position is a full-time, salaried position.

    Experience/qualifications

    • Previous marketing and graphic design experience preferred.
    • Outstanding written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
    • Proficiency in graphic design, using software packages including InDesign, Canva, etc.
    • Proficiency with Excel, Word, and other common office software.
    • Basic accounting skills.
    • Exceptional organizational skills and detail oriented
    • Ability to work collaboratively with community partners, the board of directors and staff.

    Company Manager

    The Company Manager has responsibility for the day-to-day operational functions and supervision of the ballet's company of professional dancers. Duties include:
    • Publishing and maintaining rehearsal schedules.
    • Making travel and meal arrangements for tours.
    • Managing the backstage area at all performances.
    • Being present anytime the company or an ensemble of the company perform in any venue or context.
    • Assisting the executive & artistic director in maintaining the master performance calendar.
    • Acting as liaison between the company and the executive & artistic director.
    • Working closely with the Ballet Mistress and Company Instructors.
    • Coordination of dancer auditions and children’s auditions for child-appropriate roles in selected productions.
    • Coordinating rehearsals, supervision and safety of children appearing as “guests” in Columbia City Ballet productions.
    • Issuing contracts for guest artists, venues, and fee for service clients in collaboration with the executive and finance directors.

    Experience/qualifications

    • Previous supervisory experience strongly preferred.
    • Outstanding written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
    • Proficiency with Excel, Word, and other common office software.
    • Basic accounting skills.
    • Exceptional organizational skills and strongly detail oriented
    • Ability to work collaboratively with community partners, the board of directors and staff.

    Membership Director & Educational Outreach Coordinator

    The Membership Director & Educational Outreach Coordinator has responsibility for servicing our Season Members by selling membership packages, fulfilling ticket concierge services including pulling tickets, mailing tickets, making ticket exchanges, etc. In addition, this director operates a VIP Will Call Station at the Koger Center for the Performing Arts for each performance and at selected other venues as required. The membership director also initiates and maintains online ticketing services required for designated venues. This director communicates directly with the membership regarding special events, and other member benefits. Educational Outreach Coordinator duties include direct mail campaigns to promote the Educational Outreach & Engagement Series, registration of participants and collection of associated fees. The coordinator is required to be physically present at all Educational Outreach & Engagement Series productions in every venue.

    Experience/qualifications

    • Previous customer service experience strongly preferred.
    • Outstanding written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
    • Proficiency with Excel, Word, and other common office software.
    • Basic accounting skills.
    • Exceptional organizational skills.
    • Ability to work collaboratively with members, community partners, the board of directors and staff.

    Procedure for applying (all positions listed above)

    Qualified candidates should e-mail a current resume, together with a cover letter indicating interest in the position and salary requirements, to both Executive Director William Starrett at WStarrett@ColumbiaCityBallet.Com and Finance Director Robert DeBerry at RDeBerry@ColumbiaCityBallet.Com. Deadline for applications is July 1, 2021. For more information about Columbia City Ballet, visit www.ColumbiaCityBallet.Com

    Jason Rapp

    Tuning Up: Arts groups get CCCF grants + Poetry Out Loud finals

    Good morning! 

    "Tuning Up" is a morning post series where The Hub delivers curated, quick-hit arts stories of interest to readers. Sometimes there will be one story, sometimes there will be several. Get in tune now, and have a masterpiece of a day. And now, in no particular order...

    It's been a minute since our last tune up.

    So let's do some quick news... CCCF grants to benefit Midlands arts groups. We've had clustering of arts news from Spartanburg and Charleston lately, and today might be Columbia's—or at least the Midlands'—time to shine. Central Carolina Community Foundation announced "Connected Communities" grants totaling about $315,000 to 11 groups for innovative, community-based projects. Among them were two arts projects:
    • ColaJazz Foundation will host enhanced livestream concerts through “ColaJazz Presents Livestream Jazz,” offering musicians a professional virtual venue to connect with diverse communities throughout the Midlands and the state. This project aims to support musicians, provide live jazz safely throughout communities and foster an increasing audience for jazz.
    • Sumter County Cultural Center, “Creative Canvas” is an outdoor mural project meant to create vibrant and welcoming spaces, adding vitality to the city while making quality art accessible to all residents. Buildings will become giant canvases illustrating the city’s collective story—encouraging people to explore and experience Sumter’s diverse and historic communities.
    Our frequent partner McKissick Museum at the University of South Carolina is also among the grantees, but not for an arts-related project. Because they partner with us for the S.C. Arts Awards and because it is AWARDS SZN, The Hub is contractually obligated to remind you ColaJazz Foundation will receive the Governor's Award for the Arts at the upcoming S.C. Arts Awards ceremony in just about a month. Keep on making those waves, Mark Rapp and Co. And our best to Melanie Colclough making waves in Sumter. (We see you.) Poetry Out Loud semifinals begin this weekend. Greenville student Emily Allison, whom you might remember topped the field in South Carolina's Poetry Out Loud competition this academic year, represents us all Sunday at noon ET as the national semifinals begin virtually. (Children, don't let teachers tell you you can't write coherent long sentences.-Ed.) Get more information and watch here, or keep giving us clicks checking The Hub for updates on her progress toward the May 27 finals.      

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