Artists in all disciplines sought for 2016 North Charleston Arts Festival
Free application process allows for variety of artists to propose participation in annual event
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – The City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department is seeking applications from artists in music, theatre, dance, visual art, crafts, photography, media arts and literature for participation in the 2016 North Charleston Arts Festival to be held April 29-May 7. National, regional and local artists, ethnic and cultural groups, community based groups, and individuals are eligible to apply.
Artists have the option of submitting a proposal for one of the festival’s stand-alone Individual Events, which take place at various locations throughout the festival week, and/or apply for inclusion in the Main Event, held April 30 and May 1 at the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex. Visual artists should note that this application is for events and presentations such as installations, solo or group exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and lectures, and not for participation in the Festival’s Judged Art Competitions. The 2016 Artist Application will be available for download from NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com/apply beginning Oct. 1. There is no fee to apply, and Cultural Arts staff is available to assist artists with their proposals. Applications must be delivered or postmarked by Friday, Dec. 4, 2015. Notifications will be sent by Jan. 15, 2016.
The North Charleston Arts Festival is one of the most comprehensive arts festivals in the state, drawing more than 30,000 residents and visitors annually to participate in a fabulous array of performances, exhibitions, and activities in all arts disciplines. The Main Event Weekend at the North Charleston Performing Arts and Charleston Area Convention Center on Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1 offers free admission and parking to more than 40 performances on four-themed stages: General Audience, Cultural Heritage, Bands, and Youth Entertainment. Other Main Event activities include judged art and photography shows, the SC Palmetto Hands Juried Fine Craft Exhibit, a gem & mineral show, an antique show, children’s activities, art and craft booths, and a food courtyard.
The Arts Festival continues with more than 70 events and exhibitions throughout the week at various locations. An array of free and ticketed offerings include street dances, concerts, theatre presentations, film screenings, an art walk, children’s programs, workshops and demonstrations, a National Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition, and much more. The festival concludes with the Grand Finale at North Charleston Riverfront Park featuring performances, children’s activities, and fireworks over the Cooper River.
In addition to the Artist Application, local youth performing arts groups may also consider applying for the Opening Processional, which has kicked off the Arts Festival’s Main Event festivities for more than 10 years. The Processional is typically led by African drummers and dancers and features groups dressed in brightly colored outfits and costumes, volunteers carrying giant puppets, banners and other crafted props, jugglers, dance troupes, and local school groups. Participants parade around the Convention Center Complex into the North Charleston Performing Arts Center Auditorium where the celebration continues with a Community Groups Performance Spotlight, featuring performances by pre-selected groups. The Opening Processional application will be available for download from NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com/apply beginning Dec. 1, with submissions due by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 1, 2016.
For more information about the North Charleston Arts Festival and other participation opportunities, visit NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com or contact the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department office at (843) 740-5854 or culturalarts@northcharleston.org.
Via: North Charleston Cultural Arts Department