SC Arts Alliance

08/18/2026

We're excited to announce another opportunity for arts organizations to learn and grow together!

Join the South Carolina Arts Alliance and Solutions by Shawn Edwards for a FREE series of trainings to help South Carolina arts organizations improve the management, governance, and engagement of boards of directors.

✅ In this session, participants will explore the “who” and the “what” of nonprofit board leadership

✅ Participants will also explore research supported recruitment methods to cultivate the board members they desire, with an emphasis on board culture and retention.

Learn more and register >> https://scartsalliance.com/board-management-training/

Thank you to the South Carolina Arts Commission and the Ga***rd & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation for their support of this event!

08/13/2026

Thank you to ACLU of South Carolina for standing up for access to the arts for all South Carolinians!

The SC Arts Commission should continue judging grant applications on artistic merit rather than the anti-LGBTQ viewpoints of certain board members or of the Trump administration. Learn more and read our letter here: aclusc.org/arts4everyone

08/13/2026

Today is the last day to submit public comment for the upcoming meeting!

🚨 ACTION ALERT

Advocates who wish to submit public comment to the South Carolina Arts Commission prior to their August 20th meeting, must do so by August 13th.

The agency is also providing opportunities for constituents to watch the meeting live stream "in-person" or from home.

For those impacted the recent delay in grant funding, this is a great opportunity to make your voice heard.

More information in our latest update >> https://scartsalliance.com/2026/08/07/action-alert-scac-public-comment-and-meeting-attendance-opportunities/

08/12/2026

Arts learning WORKS! Congratulations to Kelly Miller Elementary School on your exceptional SC READY growth and progress!

Arts in Basic Curriculum Institute Certified Schools serve as models for the incredible impact that arts education can have on learning communities throughout the state!

Representative Annie E McDaniel

08/10/2026

Don‘t Cut What Works. That's not a feeling. That's a 2025 National Endowment for the Arts research finding. 📊

Schools with arts education see fewer disciplinary infractions. They also see improved attendance. The connection between arts programming and school climate is documented, replicated, and consistent.

Yet arts education is perpetually first on the chopping block when budgets tighten — and this year, so is the agency that produced this very research. The President‘s FY27 budget calls for the closure of the NEA, and the House Appropriations Committee has called for a 35 percent cut in NEA funding for FY27. Meanwhile, that same budget would cut federal education investment from $6 billion to $2 billion by consolidating 17 programs into a single grant.

Five specific funding streams support arts education in schools nationwide — and all five are at risk.

Tell your representative: arts education doesn‘t just improve kids’ lives. It improves schools. 🎭 [Link in comments]

08/10/2026

🚨 ACTION ALERT

Advocates who wish to submit public comment to the South Carolina Arts Commission prior to their August 20th meeting, must do so by August 13th.

The agency is also providing opportunities for constituents to watch the meeting live stream "in-person" or from home.

For those impacted the recent delay in grant funding, this is a great opportunity to make your voice heard.

More information in our latest update >> https://scartsalliance.com/2026/08/07/action-alert-scac-public-comment-and-meeting-attendance-opportunities/

08/06/2026

🎉 Great news, arts advocates!

The budget conference committee recently agreed to a budget compromise that includes $750,000 in new, statewide arts funding!

The General Assembly is set to return on August 11th, when it will need to pass both chambers before being sent to the Governor's desk.

🚨 ACT NOW by writing your legislators, and ask them to support this budget increase!>> https://southcarolinaartsalliance.quorum.us/campaign/167403/

07/29/2026

🎙 We're raising our voice for the arts -- will you join us? 🎨🎭🎶🕺

🔵 Our mission to build a stronger South Carolina through the arts is made possible by the organizations, artists, educators, and advocates who join to our advocacy work by becoming a member!

🔴 Whether you're renewing your commitment or joining us for the first time, when you join the SCAA you play an essential role in protecting funding, advancing policy, connecting peers, and ensuring that the voice of the creative sector is always heard!

➕ PLUS: Members get early access to opportunities, registration discounts, and exclusive access to in-depth legislative updates.

Learn more and start your membership today >> https://scartsalliance.com/join/

07/17/2026

💡💡 Curious about what the latest data on philanthropic giving means for the arts?

🔹 Next month, Wendy McGrady, The Curtis Group President and Chief Operating Officer, will join the South Carolina Arts Alliance to explore the latest national fundraising and economic trends.

🔹 Drawing on Giving USA 2026: The Annual Report on Philanthropy, this webinar will focus on how arts leaders can interpret these trends and apply them with greater focus and intentionality.

Learn more and register >> https://scartsalliance.com/2026/07/16/webinar-2026-giving-usa-data/

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Birthday, America -- it's a big one!

We're proud to stand up for arts and culture and the integral role it continues to play in telling the story of our nation.