← View All Articles

Work in the arts in York County

  • APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, October 14, 2022
  • COMPENSATION INFORMATION: min. $37,000 + paid holidays, etc.

The Arts Council of York County is seeking an experienced professional to serve as its full-time office manager.

Reporting to the executive director, this position is responsible for the financial transactions and documentation of day-to-day business of the Arts Council’s office, all facility rentals, donor database management, and general office management. Learn more about this opportunity here.

Submitted material

Arts Council of York County announces new leader

New executive director starts next month


Lori Robishaw was named the new executive director of the Arts Council of York County (ACYC) Thursday, and the organization expects her tenure to begin Monday, Nov. 15.

[caption id="attachment_48064" align="alignright" width="175"] Lori Robishaw[/caption] Robishaw will come to Rock Hill after five years as executive director of La Grua Center in Stonington, Connecticut, a small cultural venue that presents concerts, art exhibitions, and speakers on a wide range of topics. She was responsible for increasing both earned and contributed revenues there, as well as leading the organization through a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training that then informed the organization’s new strategic plan. Prior to that position she was the executive director of the Ashtabula Arts Center in her Ohio hometown and an arts management consultant who helped launch the Southeastern Connecticut Cultural Coalition in 2013. ACYC Board of Director President Priscilla Nealy said Robishaw's "wide breadth of experience and connections to the greater arts community makes her perfectly suited to propel the ACYC into our next chapter.” Her career has also included a five-year stint in Washington, where she headed the communications office for Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading organization for advancing the arts and arts education. She continued with the organization as a consultant for 15 years, which included writing the book commemorating the organization’s 50th Anniversary and the program journal and event script for its annual National Arts Awards in New York City. “I am delighted to be joining the Arts Council of York County and excited to move to this growing region,” Robishaw said. “It is a tough time for the arts and culture world as we continue to move through this pandemic, but surely the last year and a half has shown us how critical the arts are to our health and well-being, not to mention the economy of our communities.” “I feel like I am returning to my roots, working with what I call the arts infrastructure of our country. I started out with a state arts agency in Ohio, worked at the national level in Washington, and now have the chance to run an arts council at the local level. These umbrella organizations are so important for communities to be able to look at the big picture as they foster partnerships among cultural assets to strengthen a sense of place, while at the same time, play a role in attracting and retaining businesses, residents, and visitors,” said Robishaw. “The board and staff have done a stellar job this past year following Debra Heintz’s long and distinguished tenure, and I am eager to contribute what I can to moving the organization forward.”

More about Lori Robishaw

Lori Robishaw has held positions with some of America’s leading regional theatres, including managing the National Playwrights Conference for the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in New York City and Waterford, CT. She also was a founder of CATCO, now Columbus’s major resident professional theatre, The Echo Theater Company in Los Angeles, and the Ojai Playwrights Conference. In addition, she has worked in higher education in a senior staff communications position at Ohio State, as well as in the broader nonprofit arts sector for the Ohio Arts Council—which included a fellowship with the National Endowment for the Arts—and The Music Center of Los Angeles County. She has also forayed briefly into the commercial sector by managing a producer’s office for a season on Broadway and working for two film production companies and as a script analyst in Hollywood. Robishaw holds a BA in theatre from Ohio State and an MFA in theatre management from the Yale School of Drama.

About the Arts Council of York County

The Arts Council is headquartered in downtown Rock Hill, a state-recognized cultural district. For more information on Arts Council events, contact the Arts Council of York County at 803.328.2787, by email at arts@yorkcountyarts.org, or visit yorkcountyarts.org.

Jason Rapp

Position announcement for ACYC executive director

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, July 9, 2021


The Arts Council of York County (ACYC) Board of Directors is seeking an energetic and transformative leader for its next full-time executive director.

Key responsibilities include leading and overseeing the administration, operation, programs, and strategic plan of ACYC, along with implementing robust fundraising, marketing, and outreach efforts. The executive director will lead a staff of four dedicated professionals and will work closely with members of the arts community, business and government leaders, academic institutions, and nonprofit sectors at the local, state, and regional, and national levels to accelerate the growing reputation and success of ACYC.

About Arts Council of York County

Established in 1977, ACYC is a 501c3 organization that strives to create and support a thriving, diverse, and vibrant arts community in York County, South Carolina. Its mission is to create arts programming that encourages education, economic development and arts advocacy through unique art experiences that engage the community to make York County a regional arts destination. ​Centrally located in historic Old Town Rock Hill, South Carolina, ACYC has established an arts anchor on three blocks of Main Street. The Center for the Arts, housed in two 100-year-old buildings, is currently home to the Arts Council offices, classroom space, artist studios and three gallery spaces. The Gettys Art Center, also one of Rock Hill’s historic buildings, is home to Downtown Artistry, the Rock Hill Pottery Center, Social Design House, and more artist studios, including Friday Arts Project. In 2018, results from the National Endowment of the Arts Arts & Economic Impact Study helped to change the perception of The Arts – leaders now recognize the arts as an economic engine, generating a $27 Million economic impact in York County and contributing to York County being the fastest growing county in South Carolina.

About the Position

​The executive director must be a visionary catalyst for advancing and achieving the mission of ACYC. Key responsibilities include, but not limited to:
  • Organizational mission and strategy – spearhead strategic planning to ensure multi-year opportunities and growth for the organization to fulfill its mission into the future. Establish, implement, and evaluate programming and events that align with and support the organization’s mission.
  • Board management – lead the ACYC in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors; communicate effectively, timely, and accurately with the Board all information necessary to function properly, engage, and make informed decisions; convene monthly meetings of the Board (and committees, as appropriate) and maintain an accurate record of meeting minutes, agendas, and other critical information; regularly review the bylaws to ensure all activities of ACYC are in accordance.
  • Day-to-day operations – provide organizational leadership in all aspects of ACYC operations to include recruitment, hiring, training, development, supervision and management of staff; oversee operation, facility rentals, and maintenance of ACYC owned and managed facilities; ensure the recruitment, retention, and recognition of volunteers; develop and implement appropriate procedures and guidelines to complement ACYC policies and ensure compliance with federal and state laws.
  • Financial management, performance and viability – ensure the fiscal integrity of ACYC; prepare, present, and administer an annual budget to ensure fiscal solvency; work in partnership with the Board Finance Committee to monitor financial and investment activities and make adjustments as needed and approved; develop necessary resources to support ACYC’s mission to include growing business and individual memberships and sponsorships; implement a robust fundraising program to include grants, donor solicitations, special events, and other appropriate funding opportunities; manage compliance of grants from federal, state, local government and other entities; ensure effective stewardship of all ACYC resources and supporters.
  • Community liaison and advocate – expand and enhance ACYC’s reputation and image by being an active and visible community partner and working closely with other organizations; develop strong arts alliances with the community and actively evaluate potential opportunities to develop or expand partnerships; serve as a representative, liaison, or member on a variety of state, regional, and local boards and committees; serve as an advocate for the arts at state and local levels; strengthen and maintain relationships with ACYCs partner organizations; promote York County and Rock Hill as an arts and cultural destination to attract emerging talent; lead all community outreach efforts for the organization.

​Qualifications/Requirements

  • Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and effectively build strong relationships and partnerships, both internally and externally
  • Exceptional verbal and written communications skills
  • Proficiency with grant writing, fundraising, and donor development
  • Strong organizational and project management skills
  • Demonstrated passion and understanding of the arts

Education, Training, and Experience

Candidates for this position will need to possess the following:
  • Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, arts education, non-profit management or related field; master’s degree preferred
  • A minimum of five years in management
  • Supervisory and leadership experience
  • Programs and operations management
  • Experience with strategic planning and implementation
  • Proven success and track record in fundraising
  • Involvement in and appreciation of the arts community

Compensation

The salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits are competitive and include paid time off (PTO) for personal and sick leave, 401(k), health insurance and more.

​Application

Interested persons should apply by submitting the following information:
  • Cover letter, expressing interest in the position and highlighting experiences that make them a qualified applicant
  • Résumé
  • Professional references (a minimum of five, including email addresses and telephone numbers)
  • Salary expectations
​Application materials should be emailed to edsearch2021@yorkcountyarts.org. Applications will be received and considered through July 9, 2021.

Submitted material

Arts Council of York County hiring office manager

Application Deadline: Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019


Full-Time Position Reports to: Executive Director

Job description

  • Database: Maintain accurate contact information and giving history for donors. Maintain process for collection of donor contact and giving history information that balances back to pledge cards.
  • Facility Rentals: Assist rental customers, prepare contracts, collect payments and assign security for rentals.
  • Maintains organizational and facility calendars. Collect/Process daily and monthly rental. Assist director in maintaining building and grounds of Gettys & ACYC buildings.
  • Program Development: Identify and develop and coordinate special events/program budgets that are appropriate to the organization’s mission and purpose; book facilities, food, entertainment and equipment; prepare solicitation letters, plan and organizes ticket sales. Coordinate activities, conduct evaluations, successes and improvements.
  • Develop summer camp curriculum, solicit teachers, oversee registration, record attendance, and supervises summer camp activities.
  • Bookkeeping: Handle all accounting duties in a timely accurate manner and with limited supervision. Transmit employee hours to outside payroll service. Work with auditor to provide information for annual financial audit.
  • Lead person for merchant services, credit card sales. Prepares board packets and financial reports.
  • Administrative:
    • Maintain effective working relationships with the director, staff, board members, organizations, and the general public;
    • Oversee and coordinate the daily activities of the clerical support staff.
    • Answer phones, greet guests, prepare general correspondence including tax receipts, thank you form letters and bulk mailings as requested by the Executive Director.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.​

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field or equivalent experience Minimum of 5 years work experience in relevant field with proven track record Strong oral and written communications skills Proficient Knowledge of QuickBooks Accounting and Access database software Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office, (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint)

To apply

Submit cover letter, resume and references:

EMAIL | heintzd@yorkcountyarts.org MAIL | Arts Council of York County, PO Box 2797, Rock Hill, SC 29732 FAX | 803.328.2165

Submitted material

CoroArt contest encourages experimentation

The COROART contest in the U.S. is underway


Coroplast Tape Corporation has delivered a variety of technical adhesive tapes to Winthrop University where visual art students of Shaun Cassidy, professor of fine arts, were invited to reinvent the materials in innovative ways. While there is no specific thematic content or subject direction given, the concept of COROART is focused on experimenting with modern and technical materials. The completed works of art will be displayed first at Coroplast Tape Corporation’s U.S. headquarters in Rock Hill. Select pieces will then be moved to the Arts Council of York County’s Center for the Arts where they will be on display from Nov. 20-24, 2019. A public reception and the COROART Awards presentation will be held at the Center for the Arts on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019 from 5-7:30 p.m. The students are contending for the COROART Award presented by the Coroplast Tape Corporation. These awards are accompanied by cash prizes funded by Coroplast, and include 1st Prize ($1,000), 2nd Prize ($500), and 3rd Prize ($250). The 2019 COROART Awards jury includes a panel of three judges: Ashley Beard (Arts Council of York County Board member, art teacher), Harriet Goode (artist, owner: Gallery 5), and Tom Stanley (artist, Winthrop University [retired]). For more information about Coroplast’s commitment to the arts and COROART, visit https://www.coroplast-tapes.com/en/company/coroart-usa/.

Submitted material

Call for Artists: ACYC 29th Annual Juried Competition

The Arts Council of York County presents the 29th Annual Juried Competition at the Center for the Arts, 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill, SC, July 20 – Sept. 9, 2018. Winners will be announced at a free, public reception to be held at the Center for the Arts on Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Juried Competition is open internationally to artists 18 and older. Only original work, created in the last two (2) years, and not previously shown at the Center for the Arts, Dalton Gallery will be accepted. All forms of media are eligible, including video. Limit four pieces per artist. The deadline for entries is Friday, June 15, 2018 at 5 p.m. This is NOT a postmark deadline for mailed entries. Entry Fees: ACYC Members: $30 for up to two pieces, each additional piece is $10 Non-members: $40 for up to two pieces, each additional piece is $10 Complete guidelines and entry information are available now at yorkcountyarts.org. AWARDS Gerald & Barbara Schapiro Best of Show: $1,000 1st Place: $500 2nd Place: $200 3rd Place: $100 JUROR Liz Rundorff Smith, Art School Director, Greenville Center for Creative Arts

Submitted material

Rock Hill’s Dalton Gallery 2019 Call for Artists

The Arts Council of York County is now accepting applications for 2019 gallery exhibitions in the Dalton Gallery at the Center for the Arts, 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill, SC 29730. The Arts Council is a non-profit organization committed to creating and supporting a thriving arts community in York County, South Carolina. The Dalton Gallery, a professional gallery appropriated for the exhibition of experienced artists and community projects, is located at the Center for the Arts. The Dalton Gallery is an 1,800-square-foot space, illuminated by adjustable track lighting. Each year the Arts Council presents six to eight exhibits. Artists wishing to be considered for one of the Arts Council's 2019 gallery exhibitions, please submit the following to Mike Gentry, Gallery Manager, by 5 p.m. Friday, April 6, 2018:

  • Written proposal for exhibition and/or artist statement
  • Artist resume
  • 10 hi-res images, submitted on CD or DVD (Mac or PC formatted discs, please)
  • Inventory lists with titles, sizes, and mediums
  • $20 application fee
Artists may submit work as a group or individually. The Arts Council's Gallery Committee will consider all submissions and notification of acceptance will be provided via e-mail. Submission packets will not be returned. Only complete proposals that adhere to the Arts Council's submission guidelines will be considered. Works that sell while on exhibit at the Center for the Arts are subject to a 40% commission fee by the Arts Council of York County.
SUBMISSION INFORMATION Mail To: Arts Council of York County ATTN: Mike Gentry, Gallery Manager PO Box 2797 Rock Hill, SC 29732 Deliver To: Center for the Arts Mike Gentry, Gallery Manager 121 E. Main St. Rock Hill, SC 29730 Email To: mgentry@yorkcountyarts.org

Submitted material

Winthrop alumna wins top honors at Pittsburgh exhibition

Caroline RustROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Winthrop alumna Caroline Rust has won Best of Show for her painting “Billie Holiday Wears a Veil Gifted by John Rawls,” part of a juried exhibition titled “In-VISIBLE” at Point Park University’s Lawrence Hall Gallery in Pittsburgh. John Carson, head of Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Art, judged the exhibition, presented by the National Association of Women Artists, Inc. (NAWA), and awarded Rust’s painting Best of Show. Rust, a Rock Hill resident, said she was “most honored” to learn that her painting earned top honors. “I am most honored to receive the Best of Show award for my piece in this exhibit. Pittsburgh and all its creatives are wonderful, as is NAWA and its mission to empower and promote female artists – a mission I believe in stalwartly,” said Rust. The winning painting is part of the “I Have Come to Make a Crooked Line Straight” series she created in 2015 while in residence at the McColl Center for Art + Innovation in Charlotte, North Carolina. Rust explained that “Billie Holiday Wears a Veil Gifted by John Rawls” interweaves the themes and stories surrounding two well-known figures: jazz musician Billie Holiday, whose experiences with racial injustice nonetheless contributed to her talent and added depth to her expression, and philosopher John Rawls, whose “veil of ignorance” theory posits that under the veil people can function as equals without bias or prejudice. “Under the veil we are invisible, without bodies; we are our true essence – that is the gift,” added Rust. Rust, a native of Charlotte, earned her B.F.A. (concentration in painting) at East Carolina University and her M.F.A. (concentration in painting) at Winthrop. She is a member of NAWA, and she is a recipient of artist grants from both the Arts Council of York County and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Arts and Science Council. Rust has patrons worldwide who collect her work, and she exhibits annually in both solo and juried exhibitions across the U.S. Learn more about Rust’s artwork on her website, www.carolinerust.com. Via: Winthrop University

Arts Council of York County call for art for 2017 Dalton Gallery exhibitions

The Arts Council of York County is accepting applications for 2017 gallery exhibitions in the Dalton Gallery at the Center for the Arts. The Dalton Gallery, a professional gallery appropriated for the exhibition of experienced artists and community projects, is a 1,800-square-foot space, illuminated by adjustable track lighting. Each year the Arts Council presents six to eight exhibits. Artists wishing to be considered should submit the following: • $20 application fee (non-refundable)* • 10 hi-res jpeg images submitted on CD or DVD (Mac or PC formatted discs) • Inventory lists, with titles, sizes, and mediums • Artist resume • Written proposal for exhibition and/or artist statement Artists may submit work as a group or individually. The Arts Council’s Gallery Committee will consider all submissions and notification of acceptance will be provided via e-mail. Submission packets will not be returned. Only complete proposals that adhere to the Arts Council's submission guidelines will be considered. Works that sell while on exhibit at the Center for the Arts are subject to a 40 percent commission fee by the Arts Council of York County. *Payments in the form of cash, credit card or check will be accepted. All checks must be payable to the Arts Council of York County. Submission deadline is April 29, 2016, at 5 p.m. Mail submission packet to: Arts Council of York County Attn: Mike Gentry Center for the Arts PO Box 2797 Rock Hill, SC 29730 Deliver submissions to: Center for the Arts 121 E. Main St. Rock Hill, SC 29732 For more information, visit www.yorkcountyarts.org or call 803.328.2787. The Arts Council is headquartered in downtown Rock Hill, South Carolina’s first state-recognized cultural district.

City of Rock Hill named first cultural district in S.C.

The South Carolina Arts Commission has named Rock Hill’s downtown as the first state-recognized cultural district in South Carolina. A cultural district is an easily identifiable geographic area with a concentration of arts facilities and assets that support cultural, artistic and economic activity. Rock Hill was the first city to apply for the new cultural district designation, which was created by the S.C. General Assembly and Gov. Nikki Haley in 2014. City officials will use the cultural district designation to attract visitors and residents to downtown and promote the area as a hub of arts and culture. City of Rock Hill Mayor Doug Echols commented, “Rock Hill’s cultural initiatives thrive because of successful partnerships among local government, community organizations, the business community and patrons of the arts. We are confident this designation will lead to increased notoriety and economic development opportunities. I’m proud that the South Carolina Arts Commission honored us with this title, once again proving that Rock Hill is always on!” The Arts Council of York County coordinated the application process, working with local leaders and Arts Commission staff to develop a map of cultural assets and a strategic plan for the district. “The cultural district recognition will enhance what is already a vibrant arts scene,” said Arts Council Executive Director Debra Heintz. “Promoting our downtown as a cultural district will increase support for existing businesses and attract new ones. Being identified with a cultural center is a plus for artistic organizations and other organizations, such as banks and restaurants that support the arts.” Those non-arts businesses are important pieces of a cultural district, says Ken May, S.C. Arts Commission executive director. “A successful cultural district attracts creative enterprises, such as galleries and theatres, whose patrons want to dine out and shop, so nearby retail and other businesses benefit from that increased economic activity.” The S.C. Arts Commission staff will assist communities in developing a brand and marketing their cultural districts. “The cultural districts legislation is a vibrant new initiative for the S.C. Arts Commission that entwines the value of the arts with the benefits of economic growth to promote a thriving local arts environment,” said Arts Commissioner and Rock Hill resident Dr. Sarah Lynn Hayes. “This program was developed after reviewing successful cultural district designations in other states and gathering input from key S.C. stakeholders, including representatives from economic development, tourism, local government and the arts. Naturally I am thrilled that Rock Hill is the first community to embrace this concept and that other communities have begun the work to achieve this designation. The Arts Commission is excited and ready to support others wishing to join Rock Hill.” Other states with similar cultural district programs include Massachusetts, Kentucky, Texas and Colorado. For complete guidelines, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or contact Rusty Sox, (803) 734-8899 or rsox@arts.sc.gov.