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One Columbia seeks executive director

  • APPLICATION DEADLINE: Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. ET
  • COMPENSATION INFORMATION: $65,000-$75,000 with benefits

One Columbia for Arts and Culture is a non-profit organization working to promote collaboration among citizens, the cultural community, and city government through celebrations of Columbia’s arts and historic treasures.

The central goal of the organization is to enhance the quality of life for all residents, attract tourism to Columbia, and further build a vibrant and equitable cultural community. Located in the state capital city of South Carolina, the 10-year-old organization supports artists and cultural organizations, provides a variety of community participation activities, and serves as the primary commissioner of public art projects in the city. One Columbia is dedicated to investigating ways that the arts can foster and inspire personal expression, the exchange of ideas, and creative entrepreneurship through a wide range of programs: exhibitions, internships, workshops, and special events. The organization receives state and local funding and is governed by an active board of directors who provide guidance and oversight for the organization. One Columbia operates out of two properties, its primary office space in the heart of the downtown Columbia cultural district and a second neighborhood-based space for use by arts and cultural organizations.

The role

  • Location: Columbia, South Carolina
  • Reports to: One Columbia for Arts and Culture Board of Directors

Key responsibilities

  • Provide innovative and visionary leadership in the planning, implementation, and operation of organization’s mission and strategic plan organization with a goal of advancing the role of the arts in the Columbia area.
  • Advise the Board on institutional strategy, operations, and policy matters.
  • Lead strategic planning.
  • Contribute to ongoing fundraising efforts; ensure impactful evaluation of all short-term and long-term fundraising efforts with specific milestones necessary to ensure the financial health of the organization.
  • Prepare and oversee operating budgets, ensuring appropriate levels of financial control and compliance.
  • Cultivate and develop relationships with local artists, arts, heritage and cultural organizations, private-and public-sector partners, educators and public agencies, as well as the local and regional media.
  • Remain cognizant and up to date on local, county and national issues that may to leverage opportunities to support the arts in Columbia and the surrounding areas.
  • Enhance One Columbia’s reputation by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic, community based, and private organizations.
  • Cultivate a positive organizational culture, committed to attracting and retaining a diverse employee base.

Skills & Experience

  • The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, innovative, and visionary individual with leadership experience gained by working in the local arts agency sector or non-profit field.
  • They will be confident and capable as the public face of the organization. A proven record in fundraising success is preferred.
  • Demonstrated achievement leading a team in transformative environments will be key, bringing experience in project management, commissioning of public art projects, program development and strategic partnerships. Additionally, they will have an ability to assess and implement the infrastructure and operational requirements necessary to support sustainable growth.
  • Required qualifications include a bachelor’s degree, demonstrated experience in arts administration, or at least 5 years’ experience in non-profit leadership.

Personal attributes

  • A strategic and visionary leader who combines strong knowledge of the arts, institutional leadership, organizational management, and creative problem-solving skills.
  • Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills; actively seeks partnerships and collaborations that elevate the voices of Columbia’s diverse pool of artists and residents.
  • Knowledge and experience working closely with elected officials, civic leaders, philanthropic donors and public sector funders.
  • Demonstrates the highest standards of ethics, integrity, respect and humility.

Compensation and benefits

One Columbia offers a salary package of $65,000 to $75,000 and benefits that include paid vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays; health insurance stipend, professional development reimbursements.

Applications and inquiries

Submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred) to: Application materials accepted through November 10, 2022.
One Columbia for Arts and Culture does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, class, creed, physical or mental disability.

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One Columbia seeks public art administrator

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday, July 31, 2022


One Columbia, the city's local arts agency, is seeking to expand its staff by adding a new public art administrator.

  • Location: Columbia, South Carolina
  • Employee type: Full-time
  • Salary range: $40,000-50,000 based upon experience

Position scope and objectives

One Columbia for Arts and Culture, a 501(c)3 organization that promotes collaboration and celebrates the arts and historic preservation community in Columbia, seeks a public art administrator for a paid, full-time position. The selected candidate will perform the following duties:
  • Coordinate and manage One Columbia's public art program, including artist identification and selection, site identification, project management, and final installation.
  • Facilitation of panel review process for artist selection as needed
  • Serve as a liaison to the City of Columbia Planning and Development Services regarding public art projects on public right-of-way and as a liaison to private developers when appropriate.
  • Provide curatorial support for the City of Columbia public art collection.
  • Maintain records, track projects, prepare and formalize contracts with artists; oversee conservation, restoration, and maintenance of artwork in the collection.
  • Conduct site visits and writes condition reports on existing artwork.
  • Maintain the public-facing directory of Columbia-area public art.
Other duties may be required as assigned by the executive director. This is a moderately supervised position, and supervisor will provide on-the-job training regarding specific duties.

Necessary skills and expertise

  • Bachelor's degree and 2 years of experience, associate's degree and 4 years of experience, or a high school diploma and 6 years of experience
  • Strong administrative skills, including typing, writing, and editing
  • Ability to effectively communicate with the general public and provide positive customer service
  • Excellent verbal presentation, written communication, and organizational skills
  • Experience in non-profit organizational operations preferred
  • Grant writing and grant administration experience is a plus
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to thoughtfully respond to shifting priorities
  • Respect for and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
  • Availability to work some evenings and weekends
  • An understanding of and appreciation for art and history

Application process

Send cover letter and resume to jobs@onecolumbiasc.com by July 31, 2022.
One Columbia for Arts and Culture does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, class, creed, physical or mental disability.

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Four South Carolina Cultural Districts earn recertification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The first four South Carolina Cultural Districts designated in 2015 after the program’s launch earned recertification based on FY2020 data gathered by the South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC).

The districts recertified are: the Congaree Vista (Columbia), Lancaster, Rock Hill and Spartanburg Downtown, all designated in 2015. Their recertification is effective July 1, 2022 and will be run through FY2027. SCAC Executive Director David Platts approved recertification at the recommendation of reviewer Jason Rapp, the South Carolina Cultural Districts program director. The SCAC reviews annual reports and action plans submitted by the cultural districts and, every five years after designation, is to evaluate the districts eligible for recertification. Though delayed because of the pandemic, FY2020 data was collected and reviewed for these original four districts. “The South Carolina Arts Commission commends these districts for many things, but top-of-mind right now is the way they didn’t allow the upside-down pandemic world of lockdowns and restrictions to take their focus off arts and creativity. The reports showed each district managed to find its way in the face of major challenges. They are poised for big things as the world returns to normal, and we congratulate them on their significant achievements,” Platts said. Legislation ratified by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2014 authorizes the SCAC to grant official state designation to cultural districts. The legislation specifies the following goals of this program:
  • attract artists, creative entrepreneurs and cultural enterprises to communities
  • encourage economic development
  • foster local cultural development
  • provide a focal point for celebrating and strengthening local cultural identity
“A district is designated after a rigorous application and review process that determines the extent to which they use arts and creativity to build community and encourage economic growth,” Platts said. Cultural districts are defined by the SCAC as walkable geographic areas with a concentration of cultural facilities, activities, and assets. They are easily identifiable and serve as centers of cultural, artistic, and economic activity. They frequently have galleries and artist studios, theaters and other live performance venues, public art, museums and arts centers, and arts schools in addition to non-cultural attractions like parks, restaurants and bars, and other commercial activity. Additional South Carolina Cultural Districts are designated in Beaufort, Bluffton, Camden, Florence, and Greenwood.

About the South Carolina Arts Commission

The mission of the South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) is to promote equitable access to the arts and support the cultivation of creativity in South Carolina. We envision a South Carolina where the arts are valued and all people benefit from a variety of creative experiences. A state agency created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the SCAC works to increase public participation in the arts by providing grants, direct programs, staff assistance and partnerships in four areas: arts learning, community and traditional arts, artist development, and arts industry. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the SCAC is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts, and other sources. Visit SouthCarolinaArts.com or call 803.734.8696, and follow @scartscomm on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for #Arts4SC and #SCartists content.
South Carolina Arts Commission News Release, Media Contact: Jason L. Rapp, Communications Director. jrapp@arts.sc.gov or 803.734.8899

Jason Rapp

Entrepreneurism workshop offered for creatives

Monetize that talent, y'all.

It is apparently workshop day on The Hub, and the Columbia Office of Business Opportunities is up next with one aimed at developing entrepreneurism among creatives: Creative Entrepreneurs 101 Workshop: Understanding the Basics to Monetize our Talents Participants will receive tools and resources to get started on their path to becoming a creative entrepreneur. Topics covered:
  • How to Project the Right Reflection
  • How to Brand Around Your Talent
  • How to Protect your Work
  • How to Price Your Work
  • How to Negotiate & Get Booked
  • How to Manage Your Coins
Scheduled speakers: Naida Rutherford, Katera, Rod King, Marcus Gullen, Shannon N. O'Berry Hammond, and Jeremy Polley. Special guest: CammWess, South Carolina native singer/songwriter and finalist on NBC’s The Voice. Lunch will be provided and masks are required. More information and registration available here.

Jason Rapp

Monetize your art and creative skills

Workshop offered by city of Columbia


The Artist Entrepreneur - How to Monetize Your Art and Creative Skills

July 21, 2021 | 12-1:30 p.m.

Topics covered

  • Introduction to business vocabulary such as cost of goods sold, profit margin, and inventory
  • Overview of city requirements for doing business including licensure and support systems
  • Business models for artist entrepreneurs
  • Business Model Canvas as a tool for business planning
  • Funding, start-up, grants, sales, and other sources
  • Examples of successful artist ventures for the purpose of learning
Click here to register for this free workshop! Artists do not have to be Columbia residents to attend.

Meet the Presenter

Dr. Kasie Whitener teaches entrepreneurship at the University of South Carolina and runs Clemson Road Creative, a shared services company providing operational support to independent consultants. She is the author of Practical Entrepreneurism (Great River Learning, 2021) and co-authored Redesign Work Volume 1: A Beginner’s Guide to Autonomy in 2020. In 2018, she co-founded the Women’s Business Center of South Carolina at Columbia College.

Jason Rapp

Office manager arts job open in Columbia

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, July 31, 2021


One Columbia for Arts and Culture is hiring for the position of office manager.

  • Location: Columbia, SC
  • Employee Type: Full Time
  • Salary Range: $32,000-35,000 based upon experience

Position Scope and Objectives

One Columbia for Arts and Culture, a 501(c)3 organization that promotes collaboration and celebrates the arts and historic preservation community in Columbia, seeks an office manager for a paid, full-time position. The selected candidate will perform administrative duties including email messaging, social media, daily financial and organizational record keeping, event calendar moderation, project administration and volunteer coordination. Other duties may be required as assigned by the executive director. This is a moderately supervised position and supervisor will provide on-the-job training regarding specific duties.

Necessary Skills and Expertise

  • Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree and 2 years of experience, or a high school diploma and 4 years of experience
  • Strong administrative skills including typing, writing, and editing
  • Ability to effectively communicate with the general public and provide positive customer service
  • Excellent verbal presentation, written communication and organizational skills
  • Experience with Microsoft office, including Word and Excel required.
  • Email messaging, social media, HTML, Adobe Creative Suite and Quickbooks experience required
  • Experience in non-profit organizational operations preferred
  • Grant writing and grant administration experience is a plus
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to thoughtfully respond to shifting priorities
  • Respect for and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
  • Availability to work some evenings and weekends
  • An understanding of and appreciation for art and history

Application process

Send cover letter and resume to jobs@onecolumbiasc.com by July 31, 2021. One Columbia for Arts and Culture does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, class, creed, physical or mental disability.

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Columbia honors remarkable women with new statue

Unveiled today across from the State House

[caption id="attachment_47306" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Click image to enlarge.[/caption]

At a morning press conference at the northwest corner of Main and Gervais Streets today, Columbia thought leaders and Mayor Steve Benjamin spoke at the official “unveiling” of Architecture of Strength, a brand new monument celebrating the historical accomplishments of women in Columbia.

[caption id="attachment_47308" align="alignright" width="204"] Click image to enlarge.[/caption] Designed to inspire inclusion and honor remarkable women, Architecture of Strength will be a permanent monument to celebrate and honor women in Columbia and is an initiative of Columbia City of Women. The position of the monument confronts the lack of women’s representation in the public sphere and speaks truth to power at the physical intersection of the major power in our community: commerce (Main Street) and government (Gervais Street), across from the State House. Architecture of Strength will inspire the community to learn more about and celebrate the historical contributions women have made to our city, to inspire a more hopeful and inclusive vision of our future. “Women deserve to be seen and heard in this city,” said Ann Warner, executive director of WREN (Women’s Rights Empowerment Network), who spoke at the press conference. “This is a lasting monument to women from the past and present who pushed boundaries, stood up for others, and made Columbia a better place.” Architecture of Strength, by Deedee Morrison, is made of 316 polished stainless steel pipes that are laser-cut and welded to create the sculpture. It is also illuminated for night-time viewing in its prominent location. The form begins with the foundation, a circular pillar of strength. The layering of the lives in meaning and the contributions of these women to Columbia, create the form. The sculpture is a form made up of many parts, the parts of the female that are invaluable in every community. Family, vision, courage, strength, integrity, honor, hope, resilience, intelligence, compassion, steadfastness, determination and drive hold our community together. The faceless, nameless nature of this art represents the idea that it takes all kinds of women, all shapes, all sizes, and beliefs, to build a community. The monument’s front faces the South Carolina State House as a direct statement that though there are a wealth of monuments on the State House grounds, and many of them controversial, none of them celebrate women in any meaningful way. “As one of the most traveled intersections in South Carolina’s capital city, this monument is a daily reminder of women’s strength, perseverance and power,” said Robin Waites, executive director of Historic Columbia, who also spoke at the press conference. Historic Columbia, WREN, and Columbia City of Women steering committee thank former First Lady Rachel Hodges for her vision of Columbia City of Women, Central Carolina Community Foundation with support from the Knight Foundation, and Beth Richardson for fundraising support. Additionally, Dr. Mary Baskin-Waters and Mr. Samuel Waters, Jerry Davis in honor of Judy Davis, Sue Doran and Dr. Lilly and Mr. Bruce Filler invested in the creation of Architecture of Strength. One Columbia and the City of Columbia also provided support for this monument, as did Holder Properties and Hood Construction.

Artist's statement

Architecture of Strength sets a new tone to spark curiosity and awareness of our collective history, simultaneously encouraging bold acts of belonging and inclusion of the underrepresented, marginalized and segregated members of our society. How we choose to honor and remember the past, will always direct the pathway into our future. This is the moment of embarkation for Architecture of Strength She is to honor the original City of Women honorees, but she provides inclusion for all. From this fixed luminous point, we incorporate a broader, more encompassing view of our history and move into a new dimension of thought. One of wholeness and unity and fostering a broader expression of justice and equality. Architecture of Strength gracefully stands,17 feet tall on a circular foundation.  What was once many pieces of stainless steel pipe in varying sizes, is now welded back together, her strength being created from the sum of parts. As I created her I reflected on the many and the nameless who have come before us and shown the way through strength and conviction. I have deep gratitude to the City of Women and Columbia to have been a part of this public art journey with you. Deedee Morrison Architecture of Strength 2021 Columbia, S.C.

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Columbia City Ballet posts three job openings

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Thursday, July 1, 2021


Columbia City Ballet, located at 1545 Main Street, Columbia, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts organization presenting productions throughout South Carolina and the United States.

Founded in 1961, Columbia City Ballet is presently celebrating its 60th anniversary year of continuous performance seasons. A fully professional ballet company, Columbia City Ballet presents 4 to 5 mainstage full-length ballets each performance season and 2 productions from our acclaimed Educational Outreach and Engagement Series, along with maintaining an extensive touring calendar. (Source: Columbia City Ballet) The company is a frequent grantee of the South Carolina Arts Commission. Unrelated to that, it is submitting postings for three open positions to The Hub. The applications for each are identical and appear at the end of this post. - Ed.

Marketing Director

The Marketing Director has responsibility for media and advertising purchases and trade negotiations, in addition to advertising production including designing ads for print, digital & static billboards, posters and other marketing pieces. This Director also coordinates special events and fundraising activities such as the annual gala as well as producing printed material such as brochures, dancebills, and other publications related to the organization. The position is a full-time, salaried position.

Experience/qualifications

  • Previous marketing and graphic design experience preferred.
  • Outstanding written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in graphic design, using software packages including InDesign, Canva, etc.
  • Proficiency with Excel, Word, and other common office software.
  • Basic accounting skills.
  • Exceptional organizational skills and detail oriented
  • Ability to work collaboratively with community partners, the board of directors and staff.

Company Manager

The Company Manager has responsibility for the day-to-day operational functions and supervision of the ballet's company of professional dancers. Duties include:
  • Publishing and maintaining rehearsal schedules.
  • Making travel and meal arrangements for tours.
  • Managing the backstage area at all performances.
  • Being present anytime the company or an ensemble of the company perform in any venue or context.
  • Assisting the executive & artistic director in maintaining the master performance calendar.
  • Acting as liaison between the company and the executive & artistic director.
  • Working closely with the Ballet Mistress and Company Instructors.
  • Coordination of dancer auditions and children’s auditions for child-appropriate roles in selected productions.
  • Coordinating rehearsals, supervision and safety of children appearing as “guests” in Columbia City Ballet productions.
  • Issuing contracts for guest artists, venues, and fee for service clients in collaboration with the executive and finance directors.

Experience/qualifications

  • Previous supervisory experience strongly preferred.
  • Outstanding written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Excel, Word, and other common office software.
  • Basic accounting skills.
  • Exceptional organizational skills and strongly detail oriented
  • Ability to work collaboratively with community partners, the board of directors and staff.

Membership Director & Educational Outreach Coordinator

The Membership Director & Educational Outreach Coordinator has responsibility for servicing our Season Members by selling membership packages, fulfilling ticket concierge services including pulling tickets, mailing tickets, making ticket exchanges, etc. In addition, this director operates a VIP Will Call Station at the Koger Center for the Performing Arts for each performance and at selected other venues as required. The membership director also initiates and maintains online ticketing services required for designated venues. This director communicates directly with the membership regarding special events, and other member benefits. Educational Outreach Coordinator duties include direct mail campaigns to promote the Educational Outreach & Engagement Series, registration of participants and collection of associated fees. The coordinator is required to be physically present at all Educational Outreach & Engagement Series productions in every venue.

Experience/qualifications

  • Previous customer service experience strongly preferred.
  • Outstanding written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Excel, Word, and other common office software.
  • Basic accounting skills.
  • Exceptional organizational skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with members, community partners, the board of directors and staff.

Procedure for applying (all positions listed above)

Qualified candidates should e-mail a current resume, together with a cover letter indicating interest in the position and salary requirements, to both Executive Director William Starrett at WStarrett@ColumbiaCityBallet.Com and Finance Director Robert DeBerry at RDeBerry@ColumbiaCityBallet.Com. Deadline for applications is July 1, 2021. For more information about Columbia City Ballet, visit www.ColumbiaCityBallet.Com

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S.C. Phil to party like it’s 2009

Saturday concert to feature pair of 2009 SCAC fellows


A pair of 2009 South Carolina Arts Commission music fellows will have prominent roles in the South Carolina Philharmonic's next concert this Saturday night in Columbia. The orchestra is continuing its year-long celebration of 250 years of Beethoven with his first piano concerto. Out front on the Steinway will be Phillip Bush: music professor at the University of South Carolina, frequent presenter at the Southeastern Piano Festival, well-traveled and highly regarded concert pianist, recording artist and—oh by the way—the S.C. Arts Commission's 2009 music performance fellowship recipient. The Peabody alum has taken the stage across the U.S. and Japan, where he performed some 25 concerts over a 10-year period. His repertoire includes works from the 16th century to the 21st, as he is a devoted advocate for contemporary music. And that is where John Fitz Rogers comes in. He also received an S.C. Arts Commission fellowship in 2009, his for music composition. To start the concert, the orchestra will reprise his The Passing Sun, a work commissioned by the Phil to celebrate its 50th season in 2014/2015. It is an orchestral piece, but Fitz Rogers has composed for works featuring bassoon, guitar, piano, saxophone, and vocal soloists (with orchestras, including chamber ensembles). He holds degrees from Cornell, Yale, and Oberlin and is currently professor of composition at the UofSC, where he founded and, for a time, directed the widely acclaimed Southern Exposure New Music Series. His works have been recorded and released by multiple labels. The concert is Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Koger Center for the Arts (1051 Greene St., Columbia). $16-$50. Click here to learn more.
Learn more about South Carolina Arts Commission fellowship recipients here.  

Jason Rapp

Trustus Theatre names Chad Henderson producing artistic director

Trustus Theatre On Monday, the Trustus Theatre board of directors voted to end the organization’s search for a managing director that began in September 2019 and named Artistic Director Chad Henderson as the producing artistic director. Henderson will now serve the organization in an executive capacity to lead artists, staff, board and the community in realizing the theatre’s mission. He is a native of Spartanburg and began working at Trustus Theatre in 2007 as the marketing director after graduating from the University of South Carolina. After an eight-year career as a professional director, he became Trustus' third artistic director at the start of the theatre’s 31st season in 2015. This is Henderson’s fifth season as the artistic leader of the organization, and the South Carolina Theatre Association recognized him with the 2019 Founders Award last season in recognition for his contributions to South Carolina theatre the previous year. The theatre intends to hire an administrative assistant of production in the coming months to assist in the management of productions, contribution programs, and communications.


Sumner Bender, president of Trustus Theatre’s board, is confident in the board’s decision to make Henderson the producing artistic director. “Over the past several years, Trustus Theatre has been in a structural transition,” said Bender. “One of the only constants during that change has been Chad Henderson. The board of directors worked diligently over the past year to assess and evaluate the responsibilities and duties for an organizational leader. Many of those duties were already being performed by Mr. Henderson. A theatre organization is mutable, just like many smaller arts organizations, and it must be able to recognize when that change is needed. Therefore, when hiring an organizational leader, you can only hope for one that understands the mission, is a champion for the vision, and willing to work hard to maintain that integrity. We’re lucky that Mr. Henderson possesses all of those qualities and will continue to serve as a leader for Trustus Theatre.” Henderson is honored by the opportunity to serve Trustus in this new capacity. “Trustus has been my artistic home for over fifteen years,” said Henderson. “Being given the chance to lead the organization in this capacity is humbling, and it is also energizing. I can’t quantify what this theatre has given me since its co-founders Jim and Kay Thigpen hired me right out of college, but I constantly endeavor to give back in whatever way I can. While our strategies may transform on occasion, the organization continues to be a vital cultural institution in South Carolina. My hope is that my service to the organization can position it for continued success in the next 35 years by celebrating artistry, community, and the power of storytelling.”
Trustus Theatre is currently in its 35th season as the Midlands’s contemporary professional theatre. Founded in 1985 by Kay and Jim Thigpen, Trustus Theatre boasts two performing venues with the Thigpen Main Stage seating 132 and the Trustus Side Door Theatre seating 50. The theatre and the Trustus Company endeavor to enrich the lives and deepen the experiences of their artists and patrons by producing works that examine humanity in the 21st century. The theatre’s goal is to select challenging scripts that will start and nurture dialogues that promote discussion within the community with productions that are brought to life through dynamic storytelling and inventive designs.

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