South Carolina 
SC Organizations SC Art, Culture
SCIWAY strives to offer a complete guide to all South Carolina artists and art. Below is our directory of SC art and cultural organizations – non-profit groups that work to organize, develop, and enhance SC arts offerings in our state at large and also in our local communities.
We also offer specific directories for the following art-related categories:
SC Art and Culture
SC Statewide Arts, Culture
- Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition
This group acts as a custodian of the Gullah/Geechee culture, a creole culture which is unique to the sea islands of the American Southeast. The coalition strives to preserve, protect, and promote Gullah history, culture, and language while also preserving its people's native homeland.
- Japan-America Association of South Carolina
Based in Greenville, the JAASC is dedicated to fostering and promoting positive relationships among the people of South Carolina and Japan.
- Poetry Society of South Carolina
The Poetry Society of South Carolina supports the reading, writing, study, and enjoyment of poetry throughout the state.
- South Carolina Arts Alliance
The South Carolina Arts Alliance is a private, nonprofit statewide assembly of arts organizations, educators, administrators, businesses, and private individuals who provide art advocacy, resources, and technical services.
- South Carolina Arts Commission
The South Carolina Arts Commission is an autonomous state agency dedicated to building a thriving arts environment for the benefit of all South Carolinians.
- South Carolina Artists
South Carolina Artists is a not-for-profit group which coordinates programs, events, and venues to display artwork created by SC artists in local businesses and public buildings.
- South Carolina Association of Knifemakers
This is a nonprofit organization of knifemaker artisans who exchange ideas and information, promote the knife-making craft, and encourage ethical and professional business conduct.
- South Carolina Humanities
The South Carolina Humanities is a statewide nonprofit program of the National Endowment for the Humanities. It funds, promotes and coordinates thoughtful and thought-provoking endeavors such as exhibits, documentaries, discussion forums, research, workshops, dramatizations and lectures.
- South Carolina Picture Project
Federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which seeks to preserve the history of South Carolina's historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time as a digital archive.
- South Carolina Watermedia Society
The SCWS is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation promoting the artistic and professional interests of its members and providing public visual arts programs.
- South Carolina Writers Association
The South Carolina Writers Workshop is a literary arts non-profit organization offering a supportive environment for people to become better writers.
Abbeville SC Arts, Culture
- Abbeville Artist Guild
This society gathers local artists to promote the importance of art, participation in the arts, and art education within Abbeville County, South Carolina.
Aiken SC Arts, Culture
Anderson Arts, Culture
- Anderson Arts Center
Anderson Arts Center promotes and fosters the practice and appreciation of the arts in Anderson County. It strives to meet the community's cultural needs through exhibits, programming and public art projects.
- Belton Center for the Arts
The Belton Center for the Arts is a cultural arts center that is committed to engaging the community in the education, exhibition and exploration of the visual, performing and literary arts through classes, exhibitions, and a gallery.
- Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium
GAMAC is a union of choral singers, orchestras, bands and musicians who entertain, educate and enrich lives in Anderson County. Presentations include concerts, competitions and auditions.
- Lake and Mountain Quilters Guild
The Lake Mountain Quilters Guild is committed to preserving and continuing the traditions, culture, and history of quilting in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties.
Beaufort Arts, Culture
- Arts Center of Coastal Carolina - Hilton Head
The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina is a showcase for performing and visual arts and a provider of cultural festivals and educational opportunities.
- Art League of Hilton Head
The Art League of Hilton Head is a 501(c)(3), charitable arts organization providing exhibitions, education and support for Hilton Head Island artists and visitors.
- Beaufort Arts Council
The Arts Council of Beaufort County includes the ARTworks community center, theater, and gallery. Its goal is to strengthen artists and to enrich lives through art experiences and education programs.
- Camera Club of Hilton Head Island
CCHHI provides educational opportunities to support and develop each member's knowledge, skills and enthusiasm about photography.
- Hilton Head Art League
The Art League of Hilton Head is a 501(c)(3), charitable arts organization providing exhibitions, education and support for local artists and visitors.
- Island School Council for the Arts - Hilton Head
The education and art experience of youth in the greater Hilton Head Island and Bluffton areas are enhanced by the non-profit organization, Island School Council for the Arts.
- Shed Center for the Arts - Port Royal
The Shed Center for the Arts is a live theater venue serving the Beaufort area.
Bennettsville Arts, Culture
- Marlboro Arts Council
This group encourages the practice and appreciation of the Arts among the citizens of Marlboro County and the state of South Carolina.
Camden Arts, Culture
- Arts Center of Kershaw County
Founded in 1974 by three independent groups (Camden Art Association, Camden Music Association, and the Camden Community Theatre), the Arts Center of Kershaw County seeks to be the cultural focus of the county and to serve as the local arts agency and an umbrella organization for affiliate clubs.
Charleston Arts, Culture
Chester Arts, Culture
- Arts Council of Chester County
This council encourages participation and appreciation of the arts by citizens of Chester County through the advancement of arts in education, community and individuals.
- Avant Garde Center for the Arts
The center in Great Falls is a non-profit organization that joins with existing art programs and agencies to give art opportunities to marginally served and diverse areas.
Clemson Arts, Culture
- Artist Cooperative on Pendleton Square
The Pendleton Square Artists Cooperative was formed in 2014 to expand the opportunities for local artists to exhibit and sell their works.
- Birchwood Center for Arts and Folklife
Birchwood Center for Arts and Folklife was created in Sunset by Birchwood Center to preserve and promote the arts, folklife, and history of the Blue Ridge region.
- City of Clemson Arts Center
The City of Clemson Arts Center works to promote art classes, an Artists Guild, exhibits and sales opportunities for artists.
- Lake and Mountain Quilters Guild
The Lake Mountain Quilters Guild is committed to preserving and continuing the traditions, culture, and history of quilting in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties.
- Young Appalachian Musicians
Young Appalachian Musicians (YAM) of Pickens introduces children and adults to the music of their heritage, in an affordable manner and through small group instruction.
Columbia Arts, Culture
Florence Arts, Culture
- Florence Regional Arts Alliance
The Florence Regional Arts Alliance is a community-based local arts agency that serves the citizens of Florence County and the Pee Dee. FRAA is committed to preserving, supporting, and promoting a vibrant arts community for Florence County and the surrounding region. This organization is funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
- Southeastern Bluegrass Association
Organized in 1991, SEBGA is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation of traditional bluegrass music in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina.
Greenville Arts, Culture
Hartsville Arts, Culture
- Black Creek Arts Council
BCAC, a registered non-profit organization, is dedicated to providing guidance and assistance in arts administration, funding, education, and program coordination to arts-based organizations and artists in Darlington County. The council also offers a variety of arts classes and produces numerous arts-based events and festivals.
Lancaster Arts, Culture
Laurens Arts, Culture
- Laurens Artist's Coop
The Coop is a non-profit venue serving as an educational center and public gallery to showcase the work of local artists in the upstate of SC.
Manning Arts, Culture
- Lake Marion Artisans
This non-profit organization, based in Summerton, is committed to enriching the surrounding communities of Lake Marion through the arts. Sale of the creations by local artisans are used to fund local high school internships and other community activities.
McCormick Arts, Culture
Moncks Corner Arts, Culture
- Berkeley Artist Guild
This guild gives creative people an opportunity for self-improvement and public recognition, while the community benefits from the arts.
Myrtle Beach Arts, Culture
Orangeburg Arts, Culture
- Orangeburg Civic Ballet
The Orangeburg Civic Ballet was established in 1993 with 14 dancers in the company. Today, the Orangeburg Civic Ballet has grown to more than 40 dancers aging from ages 8 through adult.
- Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center
Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center conducts art education programs for children and adults, presents artistic exhibitions, and sponsors cultural events.
Rock Hill Arts, Culture
- Arts Council of York County
Serving to enrich York County with all types of art, the Art Council provides arts education and development along with arts marketing and arts advocacy.
- Ballet of York County
Ballet of York County is a 501.c3 founded to continue a tradition of artistic excellence, community arts education, and to offer a repertoire of original and classical dance works to the community at large.
- York County Quilters Guild
The YCQG strives to stimulate interest in the history of quilts, promote the art of quilt making through programs that teach, and give back to the community through outreach activities.
Saulda Arts, Culture
- Art Center in Ridge Spring
The Arts Center is Ridge Spring is a group of volunteers who provide the community with opportunities to enjoy, create and market art.
Seneca Arts, Culture
- Blue Ridge Arts Center
Operated by the Blue Ridge Arts Council, this 501(c)3 organization houses a permanent art gallery and provides art classes, demonstrations, and work spaces for artist members in Seneca.
- Foothills Conservatory for the Performing Arts
Located in Seneca, this nonprofit organization facilitates the presence and availability of fine arts in the Upstate community by providing quality training and performance opportunities for youth and adults alike.
- Lake and Mountain Quilters Guild
The Lake Mountain Quilters Guild is committed to preserving and continuing the traditions, culture, and history of quilting in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties.
- Oconee Community Theatre
Oconee Community Theatre is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established with the purpose of presenting plays and dramatic works of all kinds, and the promotion and encouragement of interest in theatrical productions for the people of Oconee County.
- Walhalla Performing Arts Center
Located in Walhalla, the Performing Arts Center strives to provide a world-class facility for performances, conferences and special events in order to enhance the cultural and social life of Upstate South Carolina. Originally a grade school built in 1903, this auditorium was added in 1913 placing the auditorium on the National Register of Historic Places.
Spartanburg Arts, Culture
- Artists' Guild Spartanburg
The Artists Guild cultivates, nurtures and grows the visual arts in Spartanburg by supporting local artists.
- Ballet Spartanburg
Ballet Spartanburg is a recognized, regional dance company with an exceptional commitment to education and outreach activities in the Upstate.
- Chapman Cultural Center
Chapman Cultural Center, formed by the Arts Partnership of Spartanburg, unites the community to experience performing and visual arts, science and history.
- Greer Cultural Arts Council
The Greer Cultural Arts Council serves the Greater Greer Community by providing affordable arts opportunities in art, music, dance and drama.
- Hub City Writers Project
Hub City Writers Project is a group of people who work to nourishing writers, cultivating readers,publish titles, operate a bookstore, and provided creative writing education.
- Landrum Quilters
This quilting and fabric arts organization hosts monthly programs, periodic workshops and philanthropic projects.
Sumter Arts, Culture
- Sumter County Cultural Commission
The Sumter County Cultural Commission is a county council appointed group of community volunteers dedicated to promoting the arts in Sumter by providing financial support, coordinating events, and offering arts-related programming.
Walterboro Arts, Culture
- South Carolina Artisans Center
The South Carolina Artisans Center is a showcase store, displaying created works of craft and folk art in every medium.
