We’re so back
Slew of FY27 grants now open
A slew? A cadre? A flock? A bumper crop? Eh. After a delay, five South Carolina Arts Commission grants are open for applications from today until… well, check the guidelines.
The point is, it’s GRANTS SZN, y’all. These initial five—with plenty more coming—touch all three SCAC focus areas, so that should get your attention. Artist Development, Arts Industry, and Arts Learning… there is a little something here for everybody.
Let’s take a brief stroll through them.
Emerging Artists (Artist Development)
- APPLICATION DEADLINE: Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026; 11:59 p.m. ET
The SCAC wants to support the artistic and career development of emerging South Carolina artists through grant funding, mentorship and professional support. The combination of funding and mentorship is intended to:
- Deepen artistic practice.
- Encourage career growth.
- Foster artistic growth, relevance, and sustainability.
- Provide professional development and opportunities for collaboration
“Emerging artists” are defined as those who are at an early stage in their career development (specifically, artists who are starting their careers and have been active for one to five years). Contrary to common belief, age is not a factor in determining an emerging artist.
Applications are open for artists to apply for funding of up to $1,800 to support a proposed artistic project. Acceptable project types include artwork creation, an exhibition, or arts instruction. Head to the program page for more on current and recent grantees and see some work samples.
Rolling Grant Categories
Accessibility (Arts Industry)
- To help South Carolina organizations make arts programs and existing facilities accessible to persons with disabilities.
- Funding up to $2,500.
- For nonprofit organizations, units of government, and designated S.C. Department of Disabilities & Special Needs boards.
- Apply by Thursday, March 25, 2027; 11:59 p.m. ET.
- Accessibility grants guidelines.
Art of Community: Rural SC (Arts Industry)
- To support arts-based projects that engage rural communities throughout South Carolina.
- Funding up to $5,000.
- For most S.C. nonprofit organizations (arts & non-arts), colleges and universities, public libraries, and units of government.
- Apply by Thursday, March 25, 2027; 11:59 p.m. ET.
- Art of Community: Rural SC grants guidelines.
Arts Project Support (Artist Development & Arts Industry)
- To support artists’ and organizations’ quality arts projects, marketing, and events and/or their commitment to improving themselves and/or their work artistically.
- Funding up to $2,500 within a fiscal year.
- For artists, nonprofit organizations, and units of government.
- Apply by Thursday, February 25, 2027; 11:59 p.m. ET.
- Arts Project Support grants guidelines.
School Arts Support (Arts Learning)
- To help schools acquire supplies, materials, equipment, professional development, or creative arts therapy services.
- Funding up to $2,500 per grant request.
- For public school 4K classrooms/providers, and most K-12 public, private, and charter schools in S.C.
- Apply by Thursday, February 25, 2027; 11:59 p.m. ET.
- School Arts Support grants guidelines.