ABC Project celebrates 25 years

In 1987, South Carolina arts and education leaders launched an ambitious project to ensure that every child in the state had access to a quality, comprehensive education in the arts. Twenty-five years later, the Arts in Basic Curriculum Project (the ABC Project) has helped ensure that thousands of students and teachers have had opportunities to learn and grow through participation in dance, drama, music, visual arts and creative writing.

Arts in Basic Curriculum grantees (ABC sites) are schools or school districts that receive funding from the S.C. Arts Commission and commit to delivering a comprehensive arts education to their students. Many of these ABC sites are celebrating the project’s 25th anniversary during student performances and exhibitions.

The ABC Project partners — the South Carolina Arts Commission, the South Carolina Department of Education and Winthrop University — continue to work with educators, artists, arts organizations, advocates, community leaders and policy makers to advance a statewide focus on the arts as an indispensable part of a complete education and as a foundation for success in school and lifelong learning. Much of the work is accomplished through funding, research, advocacy, training and technical assistance. Other key accomplishments include a certification program for dance teachers, establishment of the South Carolina Center for Dance Education at Columbia College, development of South Carolina Visual and Performing Arts Framework, and the South Carolina Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum Standards.

Find out if there is an ABC Anniversary event at your local school: ABC Sites Anniversary Events.

Read more about the ABC Project and see a list of all ABC sites.

Photos: Top to bottom: Cannons Elementary School, Spartanburg; Pine Street Elementary School, Spartanburg; South Florence High School, Florence (photos three and four)