SC Arts Commission Grants Programs

What is an AVI grant?

AVI grants encourage and enable the creation of new artist-driven, arts-based business ventures that will provide career satisfaction and sustainability for S.C. artists. Grants can be used to launch a new venture or significantly alter an existing venture.

Who can get one?

Professional-caliber South Carolina working artists (individuals and collaboratives)

How much could I get?

Up to $3,500 for a one-time project/single purchase

Up to $5,000 for an ongoing business venture

When is the deadline to apply?

January 11 for the initial Letter of Intent. If you are invited to submit a full grant application, that will be due by March 15.

How do I apply?

Part One (Letter of Intent):

1. Read the grant guidelines carefully.
2. Contact AVI program director Joy Young (803-734-8203) if you have questions or want to discuss your proposal idea.
3. Prepare your Letter of Intent and the related materials, including work samples.
4. Mail or hand-deliver your Letter of Intent to us in Columbia no later than January 11.

Part Two (Full Grant Application):

1. If you're invited to submit a full grant application, re-read the grant guidelines carefully.
2. Contact AVI program director Joy Young (803-734-8203) if you have questions or want to discuss your application.
3. Prepare your application materials. (Be sure to give yourself plenty of time.)
4. Mail or hand-deliver your completed and signed application packet to us in Columbia no later than March 15.

What happens next?

1. S.C. Arts Commission program staff and management will review the Letters of Intent, and select those who will be invited to develop their proposed venture into a full grant application
2. The full grant applications will be reviewed by a panel of business professionals.
3. S.C. Arts Commission staff and management will recommend funding, based on those reivews, to our Board of Commissioners.
4. Once the Board approves the awards, we’ll post the results on our website.

If I get an AVI grant, what will I need to do?

1. Sign a contract and complete other paperwork we’ll mail to you in the fall.
2. Attend at least two professional development meetings during the grant period.
3. Submit quarterly progress reports.
4. Meet the required deadlines and keep good records.
5. Credit your funders, and communicate with your state legislators.
6. Participate in assessments if we ask.
7. Let us know if anything changes.
8. Report on how it went.

If I have questions, who can help?

The S.C. Arts Commission AVI program director, Joy Young (803-734-8203).