Emerging Artist Grants

The Emerging Artist Grants program, administered by the South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC), is a twice-yearly funding opportunity designed to support early-career artists across a wide range of disciplines who are based in South Carolina. This grant combines project funding with a structured mentorship program, providing both financial support and professional development for artists who are in the first one to five years of their practice. The goal is to deepen artistic engagement, promote career growth, and enhance sustainability in the arts through an immersive and guided grant period. Eligible applicants must be individual, practicing artists working in disciplines such as dance, music, theatre, opera, visual and media arts, literature, photography, public art, interdisciplinary practices, or traditional and folklife arts. Applicants must have been consistently active for one to five years in their field (regardless of age), and the definition of "emerging" refers to professional status and visibility rather than stylistic maturity. Applicants must also be legal U.S. residents with at least one year of permanent residence in South Carolina. Degree-seeking students and previous Emerging Artist Grant recipients are ineligible to apply. Applications from ensembles or organizations are not accepted. The Emerging Artist Grant provides up to $1,800 in project-based funding with no matching requirement. Funds may be used to cover eligible project costs, including materials, equipment, furniture, and professional services directly related to the proposed project. The grant does not cover professional development activities, living expenses, salaries, or honoraria for the applicant. All grant-supported activities must comply with federal and state regulations, including content restrictions under South Carolina Code § 16-15-305 (2024). Selected grantees are expected to actively participate in a structured mentorship and cohort program. This includes monthly virtual group meetings with fellow grantees and SCAC staff, individual goal-setting sessions with the artist development manager, and at least one professional development module through the CreativeStudy.com platform. These activities are designed to promote collaboration, peer support, and individualized career guidance throughout the July 1 to December 31, 2026 grant period. Applications for the July–December 2026 cycle are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on May 14, 2026. All project activities must be completed by November 30, 2026 to allow sufficient time for final reporting, while mentorship and learning activities continue through December. Applicants must apply through SCAC’s grants portal, which operates on the Foundant platform. Priority consideration is given to applicants based in or proposing projects within the Opportunity Initiative counties identified by SCAC, including Allendale, Bamberg, Calhoun, Edgefield, Hampton, Lee, Marlboro, Saluda, Union, and Williamsburg. The program emphasizes accessibility and the equitable distribution of resources to artists in underrepresented communities. Artists considering applying are encouraged to review the eligibility guidelines carefully and reach out to SCAC staff with any questions about proposed expenses or qualification status.