15 October 2026

Today, the SC Arts Commission Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to deny funding to an a potential grantee in the Emerging Artist Grant category, a program designed to assist emerging artists in South Carolina through project grant funding as well as mentorship and professional support during the grant period.

Like all grantees, the artist was recommended for the award by an independent panel of experts. Commissioners expressed concern with the content of one work in the artists sample portfolio submission.

The decision comes a few weeks several after denying funding to two Upstate arts organizations, and in the wake of a recent Board resolution regarding ideology in Commission funded programming and work.

As part of the discussion, Commissioners also expressed interest in adopting additional Commission policies around “obscenity” that were more stringent than existing state law.

You can watch a recording of the meeting here (discussion on the artist begins at 37:49).

Our Executive Director, Jeff Robinson, responded to decision with this statement:

Let me be clear: Censorship has no place in art. This is why State law affirms that free expression is essential to its well-being.

But at the heart of our concern is the Commissioners’ willingness to supersede an objective grants process that they themselves have approved and continue to set policy for.  Rather than trust the objectivity of that process, they are choosing to introduce their own biases and preferences into the the awarding of grants. Public institutions must operate with fidelity if they are to truly serve the people of South Carolina. The state arts agency, and South Carolina art, belongs to the people of South Carolina — not to a small group of appointed officials.

The Commission also chose not to elect a new Chair upon the recent resignation of current Chair Flavia Harton, and appointed a new Interim Executive Director after current the current interim head announced she is stepping down.

Take Action

Today’s decision demonstrates exactly why the SCAA still has serious concerns about new grant policies adopted on August 20. We need your help to let the Commissioners know that policies that limit free expression are harmful to the arts community.

These comments are incredibly important because they create a public record of constituent concerns and lay the foundation for ongoing advocacy efforts.

The Board of Commissioners next regularly scheduled meeting is February 18, 2027

Advocates are encouraged to submit comments pertaining to the work of the South Carolina Arts Commission via a Public Comment Form. For some, this issue may be deeply personal. As with all advocacy efforts, remember to keep messages respectful and bi-partisan — this is how we ensure that all voices are effectively heard.

  • Remind them the importance of fidelity in the grant review process, and that grants awards should not be subject to personal bias or feelings about the work.
  • Let them know that you stand in strong support of free expression. 
  • Express concerns with the new policy, particularly the impact it might have on your programming.
  • Remind them that they are charged with encouraging artistic expression rather than limiting it.
  • Affirm that arts programming should represent the diverse stories, experiences, and viewpoints of ALL South Carolinians.

The deadline for public comment for the February 18th meeting is February 11th at 12 PM.