Emerging Artists

A collage of artist headshots and feature artworks from them.

Support for career satisfaction and sustainability

“Emerging artists” are defined as those who are at an early stage in their career development (specifically, artists who are starting their careers and have been active for one to five years).

Further, the term “emerging” refers to professional accomplishments and recognition, not to stylistic evolution.

  • An emerging artist is expected to have a limited performing, publishing, or exhibition record.
  • Emerging artists may demonstrate potential in their practice through risk-taking and pushing their work in dynamic ways.

The South Carolina Arts Commission recognized the needs of artists who fit into this category—of any age.

Thus was born a grant and accompanying program designed to assist emerging artists in South Carolina through project grant funding of as much as $1,800 as well as free mentorship and professional support during the grant period.

Go to the grant guidelines

FY27 Round 1 Grantees

  • When soliciting artist statements, the South Carolina Arts Commission provides artists complete latitude for the 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.
  • Representative works are furnished by the artists during the application process and were not funded by public monies. All rights reserved by the artist.

FY26 Round 2 Grantees

  • When soliciting artist statements, the South Carolina Arts Commission provides artists complete latitude for the 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.
  • Representative works are furnished by the artists during the application process and were not funded by public monies. All rights reserved by the artist.

Headshot of McKenzie Drake.

I’m here to help!

If you are seeking more program information, please contact Artist Development Manager McKenzie Drake (803.734.4464 | mdrake@arts.sc.gov).