COLUMBIA, S.C. – The arts-based business initiatives of three South Carolina artists (#SCartists) are receiving support from a South Carolina Arts Commission grant and program designed to enhance 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.
The grant 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.
The FY25 grantees come from the Midlands and Lowcountry:
- Dogon Krigga from Columbia is a graphic design artist who will use a $5,000 grant on professional development and upgraded business equipment.
- Visual artist Katy Mixon of Charleston will be purchasing a professional sewing machine and pottery wheel with a $3,500 grant.
- Photographer Kevin Staggers of Lexington will use his $5,000 grant to develop a podcasting training program to pass on his love of storytelling.
Read more about them and see representative work samples at https://www.southcarolinaarts.
The latest data from the SCAC showed that South Carolina’s creative economy supports 123,550 jobs and generates tax revenues of $360 million. The SCAC encourages South Carolinians to support local artists and arts-based businesses as they shop for themselves and others for any reason or season throughout the year.
Applications for the next round of Artists’ Business Initiative grants are now open for FY26 funding. Step one of the application process 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.
