State Art Collection

The State Art Collection is considered the most comprehensive public collection of works by contemporary South Carolina artists.

Established in 1967 as one of the first programs of the South Carolina Arts Commission, the State Art Collection has grown to include 466 works in a variety of media and styles by 288 South Carolina contemporary artists. Small exhibitions featuring work from the collection are organized on a regular basis for rural and isolated areas inside and outside of the state. Works from the State Art Collection are available for loan to art museums, state agencies, and public and private organizations for the purpose of public exhibition or public display. The collection is supported in part by the South Carolina Arts Foundation and First Citizens.

Important update

South Carolina State Art Collection acquisitions, exhibitions, and loans of its works are on pause until further notice. The South Carolina Arts Commission is taking time to caretake and thoughtfully evaluate how it can best serve constituents through the program.

For more information, please contact Deputy Director Ce Scott-Fitts (803.734.8203 | cscottfitts@arts.sc.gov).

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Image shown: Joseph Gandy | Going Home (detail) | 1985 | mixed media on paper | 30 1/2″ x 23 1/2″

    • is to create a collection of historic importance and cultural vitality for the people of South Carolina that will serve as a tool to help promote the state and its cultural resources on the state, regional, national and international levels;
    • to make available to citizens throughout South Carolina, the best work of the state’s contemporary artists;
    • to encourage and support the creative visual artists of South Carolina.

Headshot of Ce Scott-FittsI’m here to help!

For assistance and information, please contact Deputy Director Ce Scott-Fitts (803.734.8203 | cscottfitts@arts.sc.gov).