Recognizing outstanding achievement and contributions to the arts in South Carolina

The SCAC annually presents the South Carolina Governor’s Awards for the Arts, the highest honor the state gives in the arts.

These awards honor South Carolina arts organizations, patrons, artists, members of the business community, and government entities who maximize their roles as innovators, supporters and advocates of the arts. In 1980, the awards took on a special significance with their designation as the official “Governor’s Awards for the Arts.”

A diverse committee, appointed by the S.C. Arts Commission board and made up of members of the South Carolina community at large, reviews all nominations and makes recommendations to the board for final approval.

Governor's Award Recipients

  • WADE SELLERS
    Artist | Columbia

    DR. GAIL V. BARNES
    Individual | Columbia

    ENGAGING CREATIVE MINDS
    Arts in Education (Organization) | Charleston

    KOGER CENTER FOR THE ARTS
    Government | Columbia

    SUMTER COUNTY GALLERY OF ART
    Organization | Sumter

About the Governor's Awards

I’m here to help!

For additional information and advisement, please contact Communications Director Jason Rapp (803.734.8899 | jrapp@arts.sc.gov).