S.C. Arts Commission names seven new ‘emerging artists’
August 26, 2025
New cohort receives project funding, mentoring
Seven artists establishing themselves in their artistic pursuits will benefit from the South Carolina Arts Commission Emerging Artists program, receiving a project-based grant and career mentoring.
The SCAC defines emerging artists as being at an early stage in their artistic career development—within the first five years—with no basis in age. It awards two new cohorts of emerging artists each fiscal year.
For the first of two FY26 cohorts, the SCAC is announcing seven South Carolina artists who are each to receive Emerging Artist grants up to $1,800 from the SCAC. They are:
- Robert Harold Adams, Jr. of Columbia (Media Arts: Production).
- Tripp Brown of Simpsonville (Design Arts).
- Anna Huff of Greenville (Visual Arts/Crafts).
- Yasmin J of Blythewood (Media Arts: Production).
- Kathleen Sahtunkinish of Rock Hill (Visual Arts/Crafts/Design Arts).
- Delaney MeSun Shin of Florence (Visual Arts/Crafts).
- Maya Símone of Elgin (Media Arts: Production).
An online gallery of representative works by this class is available now on SouthCarolinaArts.com.
In addition to financial support for forthcoming artistic projects outlined in their applications, the artists benefit from mentorship and professional support. The combined benefits are intended to deepen artistic practice and foster artistic excellence; encourage career growth, advancement, and sustainability; and provide professional development and opportunities for collaboration. The SCAC’s Emerging Artists program is managed by Artist Development Director Tanisha N. Brown.
“The South Carolina Arts Commission gets to assist these seven artists with a grant providing support for their latest works. We are excited to be part of the process as they take on some truly ambitious projects, and I am honored to mentor them during the grant period as they plan for career expansion,” Brown said.
Individual artists who reside in South Carolina and fit the criteria of an emerging artist are encouraged to apply for the second round of FY26 Emerging Artist grant funding. Applications are expected to open in fall 2025. The full grant guidelines are available at https://www.southcarolinaarts.com/grant/emerging-artist-grants/.
About the South Carolina Arts Commission
The mission of the South Carolina Arts Commission is to expand access to the arts and foster 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 through grants, direct programs, staff assistance and partnerships in artist development, arts industry, arts learning, creative placemaking, and folklife and traditional arts. 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 X for #Arts4SC and #SCArtists content.
View this and other SCAC news on The Hub: https://www.scartshub.com/
