At our annual SC Arts Day, hundreds of arts advocates raised their voices at the South Carolina State House. Here’s a brief recap:
On February 15, 2024, teachers, students, artists, arts leaders, and advocates from all over our State assembled in Columbia for our annual SC Arts Day. Participants joined the South Carolina Arts Alliance in our mission to advance the arts for all South Carolinians, and asked legislators to continue to support funding and increased access to the arts statewide.
Over 100 advocates began their day at our Legislative Breakfast, where legislators are invited to stop by before they begin their workday, grab a bite to eat, and chat with attendees about how the arts are having an impact directly in their communities. Advocates and legislators in the room also heard messages from SCAA Board Members and Staff, and the the SC Arts Commission about the statewide impact of the arts.
“I’ve collected quite a few buttons at these events over the years, but today I wore the one that means the most to me,” said Board President Dana Gencarelli, showing off a red and blue “thank you” button that emphasizes the bi-partisan support for the arts in South Carolina.
This year we even had some special guests for the legislative portions of the day — around 20 high school ambassadors who were eager to learn about the legislative process, and talk to legislators about the impact the arts have had on their experience as a student.
After breakfast, advocates set out to the House and Senate office buildings to attend pre-scheduled meetings with budget committee members, drop by their local legislator’s office, or call them from session over at the State House.
The first half of the day ended with special recognitions in both the House and Senate.
“Arts is a business in South Carolina,” said Rep. Shannon Erickson (R-Beaufort), Chair of the House Education and Public Works Committee. “The economic impact is $14.1 billion dollars across our state, with $360 million of tax revenue, and employing 123,000+ people. The arts are booming in South Carolina and we are proud of it.”
“The research shows that kids who are active in the arts perform better across the curriculum,” said Sen. Mike Fanning (D-Fairfield), who is also a former teacher.
Fanning also emphasized the impact the arts have in the rural communities he represents. “Rural communities that need so much help – the one thing that can be the impetus to making it grow has been the arts… the generation of creativity that happens out of the arts transforms our rural and underserved communities.”
But the day didn’t end there. To extend the celebration, advocates were joined downtown by local arts advocates that were not able to attend the morning events, and paraded up Main Street with signs, props, and even a mascot. The parade ended on the State House steps with a rally and special performances by nearly 200 students from Lexington, Richland, and Beaufort County Schools. Many of their parents were also in attendance, increasing the total advocate presence at the State House to over 300 arts supporters.
“I am just overwhelmed by the support here today,” said Jeff Robinson, SCAA Executive Director, to advocates at the rally. “Whether you are a legislator, an artist, an arts leader, an organization, an educator, a student, or none of the above — you are all arts advocates, and your voice today has been so important. We called on your to raise your voice, and today we have proven that the arts are strong in South Carolina.”
We look forward to next year’s SC Arts Day! Mark your calendars for February 13, 2025 — we’ll see you at the State House!
