Purpose
To recognize and reward the artistic achievements of South Carolina's exceptional individual artists
Who's Eligible
Most practicing individual artists residing in S.C.
Funding
$10,000
Matching Requirement
None
These fellowships recognize and reward the artistic achievements of South Carolina’s exceptional individual artists. Fellowship awards are made through a highly competitive process and are based on artistic merit, achievements, and commitment to discipline. The fellowship awards bring recognition that may open doors to other resources and employment opportunities.
Please Note
Grant guidelines are subject to change until the application opens.
None
There are no specified priority areas for this grant category.
February 11, 2025
Applications may be submitted until 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the deadline date. However, please be aware that staff members will not be available to assist you with questions or technical difficulties after SCAC closes at 5 p.m. that day.
July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
$10,000 per fellowship.
There are no restrictions on the use of fellowship funds.
SCAC artist grant awards are considered taxable income.
None
Are you wondering what makes for a strong application?
The SCAC recommends using the specified FY26 Individual Artist Fellowship Grant Evaluation Rubric as a guide when writing your application. Panelists will score your application responses based on the criteria within that rubric.
FY26 Individual Artist Fellowship Grant Evaluation Rubric |
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Support Materials: Artistic Merit (60%) |
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0-6 | 7-14 | 15-22 | 23-30 | |
Distinctiveness | Work samples show minimal distinctiveness in theme or concept. | Work samples show marginal distinctiveness in theme or concept. | Work samples show distinctiveness in theme or concept. | Work samples show exemplary distinctiveness in theme or concept. |
0-6 | 7-14 | 15-22 | 23-30 | |
Originality | Work samples show minimal originality in execution. | Work samples show marginal originality in execution. | Work samples show originality in execution. | Work samples show exemplary originality in execution. |
Résumé/Bio (40%) |
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0-9 | 10-19 | 20-29 | 30-40 | |
Achievements and Commitment to Artistic Practice | The résumé shows minimum achievements and commitment to artistic discipline and overall core work. | The résumé demonstrates some achievements and commitment to artistic discipline and overall core work. | The résumé demonstrates achievements and commitment to artistic discipline and overall core work. | The résumé is indicative of significant achievements and commitment to artistic discipline and overall core work. |
Applications are accepted through our grants portal, which uses the Foundant platform.
New to Foundant? For frequently asked questions, registration instructions, and other helpful information, we highly recommend visiting the Grants Portal FAQ, before you begin working in the system.
You may apply for more than one fellowship in the same year, but you must complete all application steps for each category and submit one application at a time.
The applicant must have an active account in our Grants Portal.
As part of your fellowship application, you will be required to upload:
Specific requirements for these uploads are outlined in these guidelines. You may need to create new electronic files (documents, video files, etc.) to submit materials that meet the length, content, formatting, and other specifications.
Visual Art
Applicants must upload five (5) high-res images and may upload up to 10 high-res images.
Craft
Applicants must upload five (5) high-res images and may upload up to 10 high-res images.
Design Arts (architecture, fashion, graphic, industrial, or interior)
Applicants must upload five (5) high-res images and may upload up to 10 high-res images.
Media Production
Applicants must submit two (2) viewing samples (not to exceed 10 minutes each) from two (2) different completed works by providing a link to each work. Panelists will not view more than 10 minutes of footage per application.
If a work sample is not available on the web via a link, please contact the Grants Team (803.734.8695 | grants@arts.sc.gov).
Public Art (ephemeral or permanent)
Applicants must submit five (5) work samples total and may submit up to 10 work samples total, consisting of the following:
AND
If a work sample is not available on the web via a link, please contact the Grants Team (803.734.8695 | grants@arts.sc.gov).
The Grants Team will review submitted applications for completeness and compliance with guideline and application requirements. Out-of-state panelists will evaluate the applications based on the published review criteria. An applicant’s panel comments are available to them upon request. Staff will then develop funding recommendations, based on these evaluations and the availability of funds. Recommendations will be presented to the board of commissioners, which makes final award decisions. Award notification is expected after the June 2025 board meeting, pending completion of the state budget process.
Please note:
Upon notification of the award, fellowship winners will be asked to immediately forward a photograph to be used for promotional purposes.
As a fellowship recipient, you will enter into a contractual agreement with the SCAC, and you must comply with all requirements stated in those contract materials. You will receive notification and instructions when your contract is available in our grants portal. You must submit your completed contract packet, including signatures and other documentation as instructed, by the date indicated in the system. You must also complete all other assigned follow-ups by the due date given.
Additional details about managing an SCAC grant are available on our agency website.
Payment of the award will be released upon receipt and approval of a completed contract packet. Fellows may choose to receive their full award in one payment, or divided into two payments (one per calendar year).
We also highly recommend a visit to our Grants Coaching webpage, for
Missed a group call or session? Look for the video link to access a recording of that presentation.