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Arts Commission seeks $7 million recurring to expand operating support and festivals grants
Summary
The South Carolina Arts Commission asked the subcommittee for a $7 million recurring appropriation to increase operating grants for arts organizations, establish a festivals grant program and support growing cultural districts; it also proposed funding mechanics changes for two staff positions.
The South Carolina Arts Commission told the K‑12 subcommittee it is requesting $7,000,000 in recurring funding to expand grants and statewide service delivery, including operating support for arts organizations and a new festivals grant program.
Executive Director David Platt and senior staff outlined the agency’s mission and reported a recent economic impact study showing the arts contribute an estimated $14.1 billion to the state economy, supporting more than 23,000 creative sector jobs and generating estimated annual state tax revenue of about $360,200,000.
For fiscal year 2025 requests, the agency said the $7,000,000 priority breaks down to multiple grant priorities that the presenter described as: $3,000,000 to increase operating support grant awards for arts providers; $3,500,000 to support a new festivals grant program; and other program growth to serve arts hub regions statewide. The presenter said the festivals grant was newly established this year and was highly popular.
The agency also said it planned to transfer two existing FTEs’ funding source—one to an EIA fund and one to general appropriations—rather than add new positions. Agency staff described recent accomplishments including awarding $18,000,000 through 722 grants in fiscal year 2024, expanding an Arts for All accessibility grant, and completing year two of a $20,000,000 partnership (Arts Grow SC) addressing pandemic learning loss in schools.
Committee members asked about how the two FTEs are currently funded; the presenter said the positions had been supported by a Department of Education partnership grant that is ending and that without action the commission would need to identify alternative funding (federal dollars were noted as available but not detailed).
No formal vote or appropriations action is recorded on the transcript.
Ending: The presenter closed the agency’s presentation and thanked the committee.
