SC Arts Commission invites artists to apply for $5,000 fellowships
October 2, 2016
South Carolina artists working in visual arts, craft, media screenwriting and media production may apply for a 2017-2018 Individual Artist Fellowship Award from the South Carolina Arts Commission. One fellowship of $5,000 will be awarded in each of the four categories. The deadline to apply is Nov. 1. Application guidelines are available at www.SouthCarolinaArts.com.
The Individual Artist Fellowship program encourages the pursuit of artistic excellence and provides financial support to South Carolina artists of merit. The award is unrestricted, and past fellows have used the award for professional development, projects, travel or living expenses. “So few awards come with no strings attached,” said Marina Lomazov of Columbia, the 2015-2016 music performance fellow. “Having the freedom of time and support to delve into one’s art form more deeply is the ultimate reward.”
Past fellows agree that fellowships offer opportunities that may open doors to other resources and employment. “The fellowship allowed me to take time away from the studio and build my own website,” said Alice Ross Ballard of Greenville, the 2015-2016 craft fellow. “The time spent learning new technology is already beginning to make a difference as a major sales tool.”
Since 1976, the Arts Commission has awarded more than 200 fellowships to actors, craftsmen, poets, screenwriters, visual artists, musicians and others in recognition of exemplary artistic talent.
Fellows are recommended by out-of-state review panelists, who make selections based solely on a review of anonymous work samples. These recommendations are approved by the Arts Commission Board. For more information, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call (803) 734-8696.
About the S.C. Arts Commission
The South Carolina Arts Commission is the state agency charged with creating a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their location or circumstances. Created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the Arts Commission works to increase public participation in the arts by providing services, grants and leadership initiatives in three areas: arts education, community arts development and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Arts Commission is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts and other sources.
