SCAC: Emerging Artist Grants

SCAC: Emerging Artist Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: South Carolina Arts Commission
Amount: Up to US $1,800
Last Updated: March 24, 2026

Summary

The SCAC Emerging Artist Grants aim to support emerging artists in South Carolina through funding of up to $1,800, along with mentorship and professional development. This initiative is designed for artists active for one to five years across various disciplines, including visual arts, music, and theatre. Priority is given to projects in designated Opportunity Initiative Counties, ensuring a focus on local artistic growth and sustainability.

Overview

Emerging Artist Grants Purpose This grant is designed to assist emerging artists in South Carolina through project grant funding as well as mentorship and professional support during the grant period. 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 Funding Up to $1,800

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Who Eligible:The applicant must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:Be a practicing artist in one of the following disciplines:Dance (choreography or performance) Music (composition or performance) Opera/musical theatre (production or performance) Theatre (performance or playwriting) Visual arts (painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, or printmaking) Crafts (ceramics, fiber, glass, leather, metal, paper, plastic, or wood) Photography Design arts (architecture, fashion, graphic, industrial, or interior) Media arts (film, animation, including production or screenwriting) Literature (poetry or prose) Spoken word/slam poetry Time-based arts (installation, sound, video art, animation, film, computer generated art, or performance art) Public art (ephemeral or permanent)Be an artist starting their career, who has been active for one to five years. Be a legal resident of the U.S. and S.C., with a permanent residence in the state for at least one year prior to the application and throughout the grant period.Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.The applicant must be an individual, not an ensemble or group.Purpose: To support the artistic and career development of emerging South Carolina artists“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). Age is not a factor in determining an emerging artist.The Emerging Artist grant is a project-based grant.Projects may be multi-disciplinary, but the artist will need to apply based on the project’s primary discipline.Grant funds must be used for actual project costs, defined as consumable and non-consumable items needed to complete the proposed project (including, but not limited to):Supplies and materials (e.g., sheet music, art supplies, scripts, costumes) Equipment (e.g., kilns, lighting or sound equipment, musical instruments, storage) Furniture (e.g., easels, music stands) Professional services (e.g., performance space rental, web designer)Grantees must attend virtual monthly meetings during the grant period to build relationships with one another, SCAC program staff, and arts professionals.

Ineligibility

The applicant cannot be a degree-seeking student during the grant period.These grant funds cannot be used for:Living expenses incurred during the project Salary, honorarium, or stipend for grantee Food, beverages, alcohol, or catering services