Emerging Artists

Collage of artist headshots and representative artworks.

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.

This page is a showcase of the current grantees and work samples resulting from their involvement in the program.

Go to the grant guidelines

FY26 Round 1 Grantees

When soliciting artist statements, the South Carolina Arts Commission 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.

Representative works are furnished by the artists. All rights reserved.

FY25 Round 2 Grantees

When soliciting artist statements, the South Carolina Arts Commission 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.

Representative works are furnished by the artists. All rights reserved.

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).