Fund for artist relief announced
South Carolina Arts Foundation campaign supports #SCartists
The South Carolina Arts Foundation announces the South Carolina Artist Relief Fund (SCARF) campaign to raise funds for South Carolina artists working in all disciplines who are experiencing a loss of income because of COVID-19.
Artists in need of aid can visit SouthCarolinaArts.com/foundation to find out how to apply. In addition to corporate partners providing support for the fund, including Bank of America, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Colonial Life, the Darla Moore Foundation and the Michael J. Mungo Foundation, the Arts Foundation is also accepting donations online from members of the public through GoFundMe Charity.
At this time, there is no other statewide campaign to raise funds specifically for artists in South Carolina. The Arts Foundation board President Flavia Harton of Greenville says, “It is imperative that the Foundation takes an active role in providing support to South Carolina artists in this critical time of need due to canceled events. As a board, we are seeding the fund with $25,000.” The Foundation’s seed money will help ensure some immediate delivery of funds to artists as it continues to raise money. “We are grateful for the support of our corporate partners who are joining our efforts to support artists.”
On Wednesday, April 22, the Arts Foundation launched a GoFundMe Charity fundraiser as part of the relief fund campaign. Citizens of South Carolina have an opportunity to join the Arts Foundation’s efforts to support artists who are experiencing hardships due to canceled concerts, dance performances, readings, plays, exhibitions, lectures, workshops and other events.
According to a survey conducted by Americans for the Arts, 95 percent of South Carolina artists reported loss of income and 56 percent experience unexpected expenditures as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. This survey is ongoing and artists are encouraged to take the survey.
“We hope that donations from the public, combined with corporate and foundation seed funds will exceed campaign goals. The efforts of the foundation are essential,” said SCARF campaign Chairman F. Scott McMillan of Greenville. “Artists need these funds and sitting on the sidelines is unacceptable.”
Not only are artists and their work a part of the vibrant fabric of our state, but also a major part of South Carolina’s economy. “Supporting artists at this time is a way to show appreciation for the joy they give us every day through their incredible talents. It’s hard to imagine what society would be like without art and our artists,” says McMillan.
Donations through the GoFundMe Charity platform are tax-deductible. The Foundation invites the public to help spread the word about the fund in addition to making donations at any amount.
To learn more about the fund and to make a donation, visit SouthCarolinaArts.com/foundation.
About the South Carolina Arts Foundation
Established in 1972, the S.C. Arts Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing, encouraging and supporting the art and artists of South Carolina. Throughout its history, the Foundation has pursued creative ways to help the business community and private citizens contribute to a thriving arts community across the state.