SCAC artist grant supports arts-based entrepreneurship

Taylor

Press Release

The arts-based business initiatives of two South Carolina artists (#SCartists) are getting FY24 support from a South Carolina Arts Commission grant and program designed to develop artists’ knowledge and skills to build satisfying, sustainable careers.

The Artists’ Business Initiative is a grant and program from the SCAC that offers professional caliber working artists in South Carolina financial support for arts-based entrepreneurial initiatives and professional training.

Grants can support start-up costs, taking an existing business in a new direction, or executing a temporary initiative (like a single business purchase) that will improve sustainability. A one-time purchase may be awarded up to $3,500, and an ongoing business initiative may be awarded up to $5,000. Further, ABI connects artists to affordable training options that support their development as entrepreneurs and profitable businesspeople.

Thomas

The FY24 grantees are Charleston-based poet and storyteller Ronda Taylor and ceramicist Tiffany Thomas of Lake City. Taylor is using her $5,000 grant to develop and launch Seen, Heard, Loved Publishing, an independent publishing company supporting diverse voices. Thomas will expand her business with a $3,500 grant to purchase a particular kiln needed for ceramic work. Read more about them and see representative work samples at https://www.southcarolinaarts.com/artist-development/programs/artists-business-initiative/.

Artists’ Business Initiative grants are currently open for applications until Nov. 15, 2023. Step one is an intent to apply application. In step two, selected artists will be invited to develop their proposals into a full application. More information is available at https://www.southcarolinaarts.com/grant/abi/.

As the annual Small Business Saturday approaches on Saturday, Nov. 25, the SCAC encourages South Carolinians to support local artists and arts-based businesses as they shop for unique, considered holiday gifts now and for any reason throughout the year. The latest data from the SCAC showed that South Carolina’s creative economy supports 123,550 jobs and generates tax revenues of $360 million.

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