S.C. Arts Commission announces six recipients of 2026 Governor’s Awards for the Arts

Recipients from Charleston, Florence, Hampton, Richland and York counties

The South Carolina Arts Commission is happily announcing six unique and deserving 2026 recipients of the state’s highest recognition for exceptional practice or support of contemporary art forms.

Nominations are solicited every year for people or organizations deserving recognition for outstanding achievement and contributions to the arts in South Carolina. The appointed members of the South Carolina Arts Commission Board of Directors vote on nominees recommended by a panel for the South Carolina Governor’s Awards for the Arts.

In 2026, the SCAC board approved the recommendations of the following honorees from their respective categories:

• ACCESSIBILITY: Columbia Museum of Art in Columbia.
• ARTIST: William “Bill” Harris of McConnells.
• INDIVIDUAL: Tiffany Reed Silverman of James Island.
• ARTS IN EDUCATION (Individual): Dr. Richard O’Malley of Florence.
• ARTS IN EDUCATION (Organization): ArtsNOW in Columbia.
• SPECIAL AWARD: Ian Welch of Hampton County.

A panel appointed by the SCAC Board of Directors reviews all nominations, received during a two-month window every fall. After a rigorous process and multiple meetings, the panel sends the board a recommendation from each category with a nomination for its approval. Serving on the panel in 2026 were Robin Hallyburton (Irmo), David Hodges (Columbia), Meg Reid (Spartanburg), Cindy Riddle (Campobello), and Dalisha Shingler (Columbia).

“The contributions of these distinctive individuals and organizations enrich the cultural landscapes of our communities through the arts. These awards are a sincere appreciation for their invaluable role in shaping and enhancing life and culture across our state, and stand as a testament to their exceptional achievements,” SCAC Executive Director David Platts said. “It is especially exciting to present the first award in the new Accessibility Category. Through that, we seek to reward and encourage organizations that share our commitment to giving all citizens access to the benefits of the arts.”

Recipients of the South Carolina Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Awards are honored during a broadcast presentation of the South Carolina Arts Awards, which is expected to stream on the SCAC YouTube Channel Sunday, May 17 at 7 p.m. EDT. The recipients of the Folk Heritage Award are to be announced on a later date.

Nominations for the 2027 Governor’s Awards for the Arts will open on SouthCarolinaArts.com on Tuesday, Sept. 8. 2026.

About the 2026 Governor’s Award for the Arts recipients

The Columbia Museum of Art (Accessibility Category) is a vibrant cultural hub dedicated to sparking connections through art. By prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility, the CMA has transformed into a welcoming “town square” for all South Carolinians. Through world-class exhibitions and community-centered programming, the museum bridges diverse perspectives, proving that art is a powerful tool for dialogue, inspiration, and social cohesion in the heart of the state.

Bill Harris (Artist Category) is a master Catawba clay artist and former chief of the Catawba Nation. A 2016 Folk Heritage Award recipient and 2024 TapRoot Fellow, Harris preserves the oldest continuous art tradition in the U.S. through ancestral techniques like hand-dug clay and wood-firing. His work, which blends traditional medicine bowls with modern sculptural effigies, is held in the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery and museums across South Carolina, bridging the gap between ancient heritage and contemporary mastery.

As The Citadel’s first director of fine arts, Tiffany Reed Silverman (Individual Category) has revolutionized arts engagement within that community, with over a quarter of cadets now participating in her programs. A Beaufort native with degrees from William & Mary and Williams College, she has championed high-profile public art initiatives, including tributes to the South Carolina National Guard and the Emmanuel 9 tragedy. From curating a national exhibit tour to serving on local boards and Charleston’s Commission on the Arts, Silverman’s career is dedicated to fostering transformative, cross-disciplinary cultural experiences.

As superintendent of Florence One Schools, Dr. Richard O’Malley (Arts in Education, Individual Category) has transformed the district by prioritizing equitable arts access. Over his eight-year tenure, he has spearheaded million-dollar investments in arts facilities and equipment, earning national and statewide accolades for himself and the district. A former South Carolina Superintendent of the Year, Dr. O’Malley’s leadership proves that robust arts education is the foundation for district-wide innovation in technology, teaching, and student achievement.

ArtsNOW (Arts in Education, Organization Category) is a national leader in arts integration, transforming K-12 education by weaving music, dance, and drama into core curricula. Since 2006, they have impacted over 448,000 students, fostering critical thinking and 21st-century skills. By providing innovative professional development for educators and expanding STEAM-based learning, ArtsNOW ensures that the arts are not just an elective, but a fundamental driver of student success and engagement.

Ian J. Welch (Special Award) is an internationally exhibited printmaker and educator based in Hampton County. With an MFA from Northern Illinois University and a 2025 Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, Welch bridges studio mastery with classroom impact. Currently teaching in Hampton County schools and serving as assistant curator at the Stanley Arts Center, he also owns and operates Pegboard Press. His work has been featured at the International Print Center of New York, ArtFields, and The Studios of Key West.

About the South Carolina Arts Commission

The mission of the South Carolina Arts Commission is to expand access to the arts and foster creativity for all South Carolinians. 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.