COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) and the SC Future Makers are partnering to show K-12 students how creativity and the arts play a vital role in advanced manufacturing across the state.
Their collaboration launches with a new video series that explores the intersection of art and industry, illustrating how creative thinking fuels innovation in South Carolina’s manufacturing sector.
“This innovative series showcases how creativity powers industry,” said David Platts, Executive Director of the South Carolina Arts Commission. “We’re excited to share stories that connect South Carolina’s artistic talent with our thriving manufacturing community.”
Manufacturing contributes more than $200 billion to the state’s economy and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs. Today’s manufacturers rely on creative problem-solving and design skills, capabilities fostered through arts education. SCAC aims to highlight these connections and open students’ eyes to high-paying careers in this field.
The series bridges two initiatives: Creative Careers Studio, SCAC’s platform for helping students and young professionals explore arts-related career paths; and South Carolina Future Makers, founded by the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance to connect talent to career opportunities with South Carolina manufacturers. Together, they offer valuable resources for students, families, and educators.
“South Carolina Future Makers was the first program in the nation to connect K-12 students with careers in manufacturing and technology,” said Elisabeth Kovacs, Executive Director of South Carolina Future Makers. “When we discovered SCAC’s mission, it was clear this partnership could create real impact.”
The video series was directed and produced by Sherard Duvall, Founder and CEO of OTR Media Group, who helped shape the project from the ground up.
“Creative industries are among the fastest growing sectors in the U.S.,” said Duvall. “This series, and the Creative Careers Studio platform, give South Carolinians the tools they need to compete and succeed.”
The videos offer a behind-the-scenes look at how artistic thinking enhances areas like automotive design, product development, and more. They spotlight real collaborations between artists and manufacturers that are shaping the state’s economic and cultural future. Participating manufacturers played a crucial role in shaping the content by offering a look inside their day-to-day operations. Roylco, Springs Creative, Sage Automotive Interiors, and VELUX Skylights all contributed their unique perspectives to the series.
“Art and manufacturing may seem like two different worlds, but they’re deeply connected through design, innovation, and problem-solving,” said Sidney Locke, SCFM Board of Directors Chair and Global Vice President - HR, Purchasing and Communication at Sage Automotive Interiors. “This partnership helps students see that artistic skills don’t just belong in a studio—they belong on the factory floor, in the lab, and at the heart of modern industry.”
“This project celebrates the powerful partnerships between creatives and manufacturers,” said Ashley Brown, Deputy Director of SCAC and Executive Director of Arts Grow SC. “It shows how the arts are helping drive South Carolina forward.”
The series is now available on the Creative Careers Studio YouTube channel.