Individual Artist Fellowships

Fellowships recognize and reward the artistic achievements of South Carolina’s exceptional individual artists.

The $10,000 awards are made through a highly competitive process.

“The fellowship program is one of the arts commission’s signature programs. It directly impacts artist development, one of the agency’s core functions,” according to Deputy Director Ce Scott-Fitts.

“Increasing the award makes the program more prestigious, but better serves the recipients. They receive financial resources so that they may focus on developing and creating art. Adding disciplines allows for more inclusion while demonstrating how many aspects of the creative economy are touched by the arts.”

How the process works

A diverse group of panelists from each discipline is selected to judge applicants. The application process is no longer anonymous, and awards are no longer made solely on artistic merit. Consideration is also given to work samples, achievements, and commitment to the discipline in which artists apply. (Artists may apply in multiple categories with separate applications.)

Fellowships lend prestige to an artist’s reputation and can open doors to other resources and employment opportunities. Meet this fiscal year’s accomplished fellowship recipients below, where you can also browse names of previously recognized artists.

FY25 Fellowships Cycle

The disciplines in the current rotation are:

  • Poetry
  • Spoken word/Slam poetry
  • Choreography & Directing (film theatre, opera)
  • Performance: dance, music, or acting (film or theatre)
  • Folklife and Traditional Arts (quilting, embroidery, sewing, beading, weaving, pottery, basketmaking, woodcarving, folk music, dance, or oral literature)

Each category will have one recipient if enough applications are received. Applications are now open via the guidelines page.

Read the grant guidelines here

Current Fellows (FY24)

When soliciting artist statements, the South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) provides artists complete latitude for those statements they craft to take any form. Publication of said statements does not—and should not be understood to—indicate endorsement by the state of South Carolina, SCAC, or agents thereof.

Past Fellows

Headshot of Tanisha BrownI’m here to help!

If you are seeking more program information, please contact Artist Development Director Tanisha N. Brown (803.734.8043 | tbrown@arts.sc.gov).