Sean Merrick, founder of the Creative Culture Art Expo and a Columbia-based fashion photographer and creative director, asked committee members on Oct. 23 to consider supporting the expo with a permanent location in Columbia, South Carolina.

Merrick told the Historic Preservation, Arts and Philanthropy Committee that the Creative Culture Art Expo (known locally as CCAE) began in 2020 as a small proof of concept and has grown into a regional program that “reaches… Georgia, North Carolina, and, of course, South Carolina.” He said the expo’s last sold-out event drew 372 people and that this year’s main show — the Lipstick and Hair Show at Trustus Theatre on Oct. 25 — sold out as of the previous night.

Why it matters: Merrick said a permanent site would let CCAE expand training, demonstrations and monthly programs that support photographers, models, hairstylists, makeup artists and other creatives. Committee members and staff raised the possibility of city collaboration and said Assistant City Manager Henry Simons could explore facility options.

Merrick described CCAE’s programming as a mix of live demonstrations, workshops, panels and mental-health support for creatives. “The premier event of the organization is the Creative Culture Art Expo,” he said. “This event serves to encourage creatives through education, exposure, and support.” He said the expo offers lower-cost workshops (about $25, compared with typical $150 fees in other markets) and that the group receives a small annual grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission.

Merrick outlined the organization’s history and reach: it started in Newberry, South Carolina, in 2020 with roughly 20 attendees, drew about 64 in its second year and later held events at Allen University and the University of South Carolina as it expanded. He said CCAE partners with local colleges and — increasingly — area high schools; this year he said the group worked with Hayward Career Center’s cosmetology program and expected roughly 30 models in the show.

On facilities, Merrick said the organization currently partners with local theaters and other venues but needs a permanent space for equipment, irregular hours and ongoing instruction: “we are definitely in need of that,” he told the committee. Committee members suggested the city could explore options; one member said Assistant City Manager Henry Simons “can possibly look into” facility options and follow up with Merrick.

Merrick also described several program elements the expo provides beyond performances: free mental-health workshops led by licensed therapists on his team, partnerships that have helped local creatives land magazine placements, and hands-on tutorials such as live barber and aesthetic demonstrations.

The committee did not take formal action on the request during the presentation. Members said they would follow up and explore collaboration opportunities with staff. Merrick left contact information for the committee: info@thecreativeculturebrand.com and (864) 513-3630.

Less critical details: Merrick said some earlier shoots used a dealership in Irmo for logistics and that the organization’s team includes people who have placed work internationally. He emphasized the group’s regional reach and its aim to provide technical terms and industry vocabulary to local artists so they can pursue work beyond Columbia.