The South Carolina Governor’s Awards for the Arts

To recognize outstanding achievement and contributions to the arts in South Carolina, the Arts Commission annually presents the 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

  • RAY MCMANUS
    Artist | Lexington

    CARLOS AGUDELO
    Individual | Spartanburg

    AMERICAN COLLEGE OF THE BUILDING ARTS
    Arts in Education | Charleston

    AIKEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS
    Organization | Aiken

    Click to read about the current recipients.

About the Governor's Awards

  • Nominations for the South Carolina Governor’s Awards for the Arts are closed for the 2024 cycle. The 2025 nomination cycle is expected to open Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024.

I’m here to help!

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