1 October 2026

Today, the SC Arts Commission voted 5-3 to deny funding to two Upstate arts organizations, the Greenville Gay Men’s Chorus and Proud Mary Theatre.

The final decision came after several moves to delay to vote while organizations were asked to defend their artistic merit, at a special meeting called with just over a week’s notice. The roll-call vote was cast without discussion.

The two organizations were previous recipients of the grants, and had been recommended for FY27 funding after completing a rigorous grant process. In August, the Commission approved, without dissent, nearly 200 other organizations who completed the same process.

Our Executive Director, Jeff Robinson, responded to today’s vote with this statement:

Arts organizations throughout the state rely on the consistency and objectivity of the grant making process to plan, program, and provide meaningful arts experiences for the communities they serve. These two organizations did everything asked of them, and more, with a record of excellence in programming and community service – one that former Commissioners have recognized through prior grant awards. Whether intentional or not, 5 Commissioners have now signaled that those communities are somehow less artistic, less meritorious, or less deserving of access to institutions that are supposed to serve all South Carolina citizens.

How can organizations effectively respond to the unique needs of their community – a key component to the “public participation” criteria in the grant—when they are left to wonder if their work will be challenged based on the personal convictions of whomever serves on the Commission now or in the future?

The Commissioners had an important opportunity today to restore trust in the process by approving these grants. We are incredibly disappointed in the outcome.

Take Action

To support these organizations and help them fill the funding gap:

Greenville Gay Men’s Chorus >>
Proud Mary Theatre Company >>

In addition to today’s decision, 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.

The Board of Commissioners next regularly scheduled meeting is October 15, 2026.

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.

  • 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.

Feel free to use this template to get you started, and personalize it to include your own voice. (Comments are limited to 5,000 characters, and this template is appox. 1,600).

The deadline for public comment for the October 15th meeting is Thursday, October 8th.