Issue Briefs
Use these to familiarize yourself with the major issues facing the arts at the SC Statehouse and share them with legislators and fellow advocates.
Operating Support Grants
for Arts Organizations
$2,500,000
Request: $2,500,000 Increase
Funding Type: Recurring
Funding Source: General Fund
General Operating Support grants fund organizations throughout South Carolina that contribute to local economies, impact educational outcomes, provide access to local arts experiences, and increase quality of life and livability in their communities. These types of flexible grants allow the organizations to focus on their mission and goals rather than the shifting priorities of funders.
With an increase to operating support grants, SCAC will be able to open the program to additional organizations without having to decrease the funding of established award recipients. An increase in funding will also allow current grantee awards amounts to reflect increased operating expenses due to inflation.
Additional funding to the SCAC would provide stable and meaningful support for current grantees and new grantees alike. It would also ensure that valuable resources are accessible to every community in our state, especially those in our most rural areas.
Creative Workforce Programs
$500,000
Request: $500,000 Increase
Funding Type: Recurring
Funding Source: General Fund
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.
Additional funding in FY27 will help support a presence at college and career fairs, arts industry field trips, and an arts professionals speakers bureau for high school students.
While the website helps students find careers in the arts it can also help workforce development partners lead people into non-arts related jobs.
