Public Art Grants

The Public Art Grants program, administered by the South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC), is designed to support the development and sustainability of public art initiatives across communities in South Carolina. The SCAC is a state agency committed to promoting equitable access to the arts through strategic grantmaking and community engagement. The Public Art Grants reflect this mission by offering financial assistance for the planning, creation, installation, and maintenance of public artworks that are freely accessible to the general public. The program is focused on projects that bring art into public spaces to strengthen community identity, promote aesthetic enhancement, and foster cultural engagement. Eligible project types include murals, sculptures, light installations, and sound installations, all of which must be located in areas that are open and accessible to the public—indoors or outdoors. Importantly, artworks must be permanent or semi-permanent, remaining in place for at least three consecutive months. Temporary works or performance-based installations are not eligible. Eligible applicants include most South Carolina-based nonprofit organizations (both arts and non-arts focused) and units of government. Organizations must be federally tax-exempt and reflect a South Carolina address in all official documentation. Nonprofits must be registered as charities with the South Carolina Secretary of State, or provide proof of exemption. Applicants using a fiscal agent must provide a detailed letter outlining the responsibilities of both parties, and both the applicant and fiscal agent must supply a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), except in cases where the organization is run by a local government or school district. Individuals, school districts, institutions of higher education, and current SCAC operating support grantees are ineligible. Grants are awarded up to $15,000 and require a 1:1 match from the grantee. The match may be satisfied partially (up to 50%) through in-kind contributions such as donated services or materials. SCAC funding may not be used to match other SCAC or federal funds. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis. At least 90% of the grant must go toward direct project costs—such as artist stipends, installation costs, site preparation, equipment rental, consultant fees, documentation, and marketing—while only up to 10% may be allocated for indirect costs like general administrative expenses. Applications must be submitted through the SCAC’s Foundant-powered grants portal. New users are advised to consult the Grants Portal FAQ for account setup and technical guidance. Only employees or active volunteers of the applying organization may serve as the primary contact for the grant. Consultants or third-party intermediaries may not fill this role. The primary contact will be responsible for all communications with SCAC throughout the process. Applicants are also encouraged to consider South Carolina artists for project roles, particularly those listed in the S.C. Arts Directory as Verified Teaching Artists. The deadline for applications is April 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications must be completed before this cutoff, as SCAC staff are unavailable after 5 p.m. on the deadline date to assist with technical or programmatic questions. The grant period begins on August 1, 2026, and concludes on May 31, 2027. Priority will be given to applicants located in or proposing activities within the state’s Opportunity Initiative counties, including Allendale, Bamberg, Calhoun, Edgefield, Hampton, Lee, Marlboro, Saluda, Union, and Williamsburg. This grant is a one-time funding opportunity and is not explicitly listed as recurring. All projects must comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including state laws prohibiting obscene materials in publicly funded projects. Applications found to include ineligible content or that violate these provisions will be disqualified.

Use SC-based artists where possible; ensure public access and compliance with content restrictions.