Nominate an artist or advocate for the Folk Heritage Award!

2016 Folk Heritage Award recipient Chief Bill Harris with Gov. Nikky Haley

Nominations are due December 15.

The South Carolina Arts Commission and the University of South Carolina’s McKissick Museum invite nominations for the 2017 Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award. Guidelines and nomination forms are available online. Nominations are due by Dec. 15, 2016.

Created by the legislature in 1987 to recognize lifetime achievement in the traditional arts, the Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award is presented annually by the South Carolina General Assembly to practitioners and advocates of traditional arts significant to communities throughout the state. Up to four artists and one advocate may receive awards each year. Nominations are accepted in two categories:

• Artists: South Carolina artists who have dedicated their lives to the practice of art forms that have been passed down through their families and communities and who have demonstrated a commitment to keeping their tradition alive. Past awards have recognized art forms such as basket making, gospel singing, fiddling, hammock making and boat building.
• Advocates: South Carolina individuals and groups that have worked to further traditional culture in the state. Those who are not traditional artists, but who have provided service that helps to sustain and promote South Carolina traditions, are eligible for the advocacy award.

The Folk Heritage Awards are named for the late Rep. Jean Laney Harris, who was an outspoken advocate for South Carolina’s arts and cultural resources. The South Carolina Arts Commission partners with the University of South Carolina’s McKissick Museum to administer the awards, which will be presented in the spring.