COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Arts Commission is happily announcing six unique and deserving 2026 recipients of the state’s highest recognition for exceptional practice or support of contemporary art forms.
Nominations are solicited every year for people or organizations deserving recognition for outstanding achievement and contributions to the arts in South Carolina. The appointed members of the South Carolina Arts Commission Board of Directors vote on nominees recommended by a panel for the South Carolina Governor’s Awards for the Arts.
In 2026, the SCAC board approved the recommendations of the following honorees from their respective categories:
- ACCESSIBILITY: Columbia Museum of Art in Columbia.
- ARTIST: William “Bill” Harris of McConnells.
- INDIVIDUAL: Tiffany Reed Silverman of James Island.
- ARTS IN EDUCATION (Individual): Dr. Richard O’Malley of Florence.
- ARTS IN EDUCATION (Organization): ArtsNOW in Columbia.
- SPECIAL AWARD: Ian Welch of Hampton County.
A panel appointed by the SCAC Board of Directors reviews all nominations, received during a two-month window every fall. After a rigorous process and multiple meetings, the panel sends the board a recommendation from each category with a nomination for its approval. Serving on the panel in 2026 were Robin Hallyburton (Irmo), David Hodges (Columbia), Meg Reid (Spartanburg), Cindy Riddle (Campobello), and Dalisha Shingler (Columbia).
“The contributions of these distinctive individuals and organizations enrich the cultural landscapes of our communities through the arts. These awards are a sincere appreciation for their invaluable role in shaping and enhancing life and culture across our state, and stand as a testament to their exceptional achievements,” SCAC Executive Director David Platts said. “It is especially exciting to present the first award in the new Accessibility Category. Through that, we seek to reward and encourage organizations that share our commitment to giving all citizens access to the benefits of the arts.”
Recipients of the South Carolina Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Awards are honored during a broadcast presentation of the South Carolina Arts Awards, which is expected to stream on the SCAC YouTube Channel Sunday, May 17 at 7 p.m. EDT. The recipients of the Folk Heritage Award are to be announced on a later date.
Nominations for the 2027 Governor’s Awards for the Arts will open on SouthCarolinaArts.com on Tuesday, Sept. 8. 2026.