Mayor William Cogswell and City Director of Cultural Affairs Rochelle Riley will unveil the official 2026 Piccolo Spoleto Festival poster Friday, May 8th, at 3:15 p.m. at City Gallery, 34 Prioleau St.
This year's winning artist, Alice Colin, was selected from an April open call. The self-taught, multidisciplinary artist works across digital, mixed-media and 3D compositions. Originally from Bordeaux, France, Colin has lived and worked across four continents before settling in Charleston with her husband and sons. She received the highest commission ever awarded for the Piccolo poster: $5,000.
Her poster, "Voices in Bloom," depicts a procession of faces set against a fragmented Charleston cityscape, with a field of botanicals below — evoking collective rhythm, cultural identity and the roots that sustain creative communities.
"Alice's work spoke perfectly to all that is beautiful about Charleston — our music, our nature and our people," Riley said. "The festival's theme this year is 'from here,' inviting people from across the South to experience the artistry and traditions that can be found only in Charleston."
Piccolo Spoleto, or "Little Spoleto," opens May 22 alongside Spoleto USA. Launched in 1979 by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, Piccolo spotlights local excellence through visual arts, classical music, jazz, dance, theater, choral music, poetry readings, children's activities, and film. More than half of its 250-plus events are free.
This year's lineup blends returning favorites with new experiences. Highlights include:
- The Sunset Serenade Concert featuring the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, opening the festival behind the U.S. Custom House
- Kid Karaoke at the Cannon Street Arts Center, the new OCA headquarters, performed in the venue's 110-seat theater, home of PURE Theatre
- Piccolo Porch Concerts, intimate front-lawn performances modeled after the PBS "Tiny Desk" concert format
- The OCA's first-ever concert movie, filmed May 6 at the Angel Oak Tree featuring Da'Gullah Rootz
- An opening act for the Piccolo Finale Concert, to be announced next week following open auditions; the selected performer receives a $500 commission and future concert opportunities
"We want to give guests the fun they remember and new experiences they'll never forget," Riley said.
The OCA is seeking volunteers to support more than 250 Piccolo events, including:
- Sunset Serenade at the U.S. Custom House
- Memorial Day Concert at Hampton Park
- Sundown Poetry Series
- Piccolo Porch Concerts
- Cannon Street Arts Center family events
- Juried Art Exhibition at Market Square
- Piccolo Finale Concert at Hampton Park
To volunteer, visit the OCA's volunteer page at intellistack.com.
City Gallery will be closed Friday, May 9 through Thursday, May 21 for installation of the Juried Art Exhibition, which will be on display throughout the festival.
For more information about Piccolo Spoleto, visit piccolospoleto.com.
In June, the OCA will announce plans for this year's Juneteenth Block Party and History Lesson and the MOJA Arts Festival.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to share feedback and suggestions for future festivals by emailing culturalaffairs@charleston-sc.