Update: On March 14, the House voted 100-11 on increases in arts funding as described below. The state budget now heads to the Senate.
On February 23, the SC House Ways & Means Committee approved their proposed spending plan for the state’s $11 billion budget. The adopted budget includes impactful investments in the arts. Here’s what’s in the budget:
-
+ $2 million in recurring funds for grants
-
+ $3 million in one-time funding for grants
-
+ $500,000 in one-time funding for Rural Pilot Programs
This funding is a great step forward for the arts in South Carolina. While advocates pushed for a $5 million total in recurring dollars, the funds proposed by the House Ways & Means Committee are still significant for the arts. These funds will create greater access to grants for communities, and support artists and arts organizations, many of whom are still trying to recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
What’s Next
The budget now heads to the full House for debate in early to mid-March. The Senate began their budget hearings this week and will use the final budget that passes the full House as the basis for their work later in March and April.
Last Year: In 2021, the Legislature approved $1.5 million in recurring funds, and $2 million in one-time funding for the arts.
