4 February 2025
The South Carolina Arts Alliance is advocating for$3 million in new funding for the arts during FY2027 budget process at the SC Statehouse. This blog post breaks down the reasons why this critical funding is needed.
Request: $3million increase in Statewide arts funding
Funding Type: Recurring
Agency: Arts Commission
Funding Source: General Fund
The creative industry in South Carolina supports over 123,000 jobs and provides over $14.1billion to our state’s economy. The primary tool the state has to support this important industry are competitive grants and programs offered by the South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC). An increase of $3,000,000 in recurring funds to the SCAC would provide stable and meaningful support for Operating Support Grants to community organizations. It would also expand access to valuable creative workforce resources for the next generation of arts workers, strengthening and sustaining a sector that represents 5.5% of total employment in South Carolina.
The Breakdown
$2.5 Million for Operating Support Grants
200 community organizations currently receive operating support from the SC Arts Commission (SCAC). These funds provide flexibility for organizations to ensure that programs which benefit the local community can be carried out professionally, all while helping the organization remain sustainable in its general operating needs. Very few private funders provide this support despite it being the most highly sought after type of grant support by organizations.
- An increased costs of goods and services due to inflation means expenses have risen faster than revenues.
- Additionally, grant applications for General Operating Support continue to outpace available funds, leaving at least 35 expected new applicants with no available grant funding.
$500,000 for Creative Workforce Programs
Launched in FY2025, Creative Careers Studio is a website for high school and college students who want to explore a career in the arts. This digital resource also helps connect, parents, teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors information about arts careers.
- The arts represent a rapidly growing job market. Creative sector jobs in South Carolina grew by 19% between 2012 and 2022 and are projected to grow another 10.9% by 2032 (National Endowment for the Arts).
- These programs also align with goals and strategies outlined in the Unified State Plan for Education and Workforce Development, which identifies several arts sector jobs as priority occupations.
Read the Full Issue Brief >>
We’ll be in Columbia during our annual State House Day held February 12, as a part of the SC Arts Day. Not attending this year? You can still advocate from home during SC Arts Advocacy Week!
