SC Arts Commission Press Releases
S.C. Arts Commission Calls for 2008 Folk Heritage Awards Nominations
November 3, 2007
Media Contact:
Milly Hough
(803) 734-8698
COLUMBIA, S.C. –The South Carolina Arts Commission and the University of South Carolina's McKissick Museum are accepting nominations for the 2008 Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Awards. The awards recognize South Carolina artists who practice art forms that have been passed down through their families and communities. Those who are not traditional artists, but have provided service that helps to sustain and promote South Carolina traditions, are eligible for the advocacy award. The nomination deadline is Jan. 15, 2008.
The awards are presented annually in Columbia to as many as four artists and one advocate. Nominees will be evaluated on the authenticity of their tradition, as well as on their efforts to enrich their communities and enhance their tradition to a higher level of artistic achievement.
Named for the late Jean Laney Harris, an ardent supporter of the state's cultural heritage, the Folk Heritage Awards were created by the legislature in 1987 to recognize lifetime achievement in the traditional arts. Past awards have recognized art forms such as basket making, gospel singing, fiddling, pottery and boat building.
The 2007 Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Awards were presented to Louise Miller Cohen from Hilton Head Island for Gullah traditions and to Alda Smith from Belton for traditional country music advocacy. For images and biographical information on Cohen or Smith, visit www.southcarolinaarts.com/folkheritage/2007.
For more information or to nominate an artist for the traditional arts or advocacy awards, visit Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Awards or call Julianne Carroll, S.C.A.C. Folklife and Traditional Arts program director, at (803) 734-8764 or Saddler Taylor, chief curator of Folklife and Research at the McKissick Museum, at (803) 777-3714.
About SCAC
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 is celebrating 40 years of increasing 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 and by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call (803) 734-8696.
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