The South Carolina Arts Commission and Artists U are partners to offer ongoing training for S.C. artists. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Artists U is a grassroots planning and professional development program run by and for artists. Artists U training is designed to push artists to build lives that are balanced, productive, and sustainable.

The Artists U Weekend Intensive is offered around the state at various locations. Participants learn how to build a balanced, sustainable life by reconnecting with values, building community and slaying the two demons of the artist’s life: time and money. Workshop leaders are South Carolina artists who have completed Artists U training.

Examples of additional training offered by AU:

• Introduction to Artists U
• Artists U Alumni Gatherings
• Artist Mission Statement Workshop
• Social Media as Community

Visit Artists U/South Carolina to learn more about current training opportunities.

Artists U/South Carolina is funded by the South Carolina Arts Commission as part of the S.C. Artists’ Ventures Initiative.

S.C. Artists’ Ventures Initiative (AVI), a broad-reaching project at the Arts Commission, is dedicated to improving conditions for S.C. artists by helping them develop the knowledge and skills to build satisfying, sustainable careers. Responding to input from artists across the state about their key concerns, the Arts Commission offers the following activities:

• Business training
  The Artists’ Ventures Initiative connects artists to affordable training from Artists U that supports their development as entrepreneurs and profitable business people.
• Start-up support for new arts-based businesses
  Through a competitive grant program and virtual business incubator, the Artists’ Ventures Initiative supports artists with sound plans for starting new arts-based businesses.
  • Grant information 
  • Most recent AVI Grant Awards

The South Carolina Arts Commission facilitated an extensive survey of artists, teaching artists, arts organizations, and schools who utilize the Roster of Approved Artists. The results were as follows:

• Roster artists overwhelmingly stated the two primary benefits of the current roster are marketing and the prestige of a juried process.
• Arts organizations stated the biggest benefits are marketing and networking.
• Schools stated the importance of a juried process that speaks to the quality of work and teaching ability of teaching artists.

With that in mind, learn more about the new Arts Directory and Teaching Artist Certification and how it addresses all these things! Or, go straight to the Directory.

The South Carolina Novel Prize recognizes one of South Carolina’s exceptional writers by providing a book contract with Hub City Press.

The highly competitive contest is presented by:

• the S.C. Arts Commission,
• Hub City Press,
• College of Charleston,
• and the S.C. State Library.

Applications for the next cycle of this biennial award will be accepted Jan. 1 through March 23, 2020. Visit the S.C. Novel Prize page to learn more.