The Metropolitan Arts Council’s quarterly grants program gives artists, arts organizations, and arts education programs the support they need to make an impact on Greenville. 🎨 Whether it means traveling to expand their artistic repertoire or launching a youth-oriented art program, here are a few of the artists, organizations + programs who have been given that extra boost from MAC to turn their vision into reality.

🎭 South Carolina Children’s Theatre | SCCT’s Scholarship Program | Goal: to provide scholarships for its Theatre Arts classes in 2018

SCCT’s Theatre Outreach Partnerships serve 14,000+ children each year who are at-risk, disadvantaged, hospitalized, or have special needs. Class scholarships give children who haven’t had access to theatre the chance to find new creativity + build confidence.

“With support from MAC, SCCT is able to provide nearly 20 theatre class scholarships to underprivileged youth across the Upstate. Many of these students lack access to the theatre arts, but thanks to our scholarship program, they are able to fully participate in our offerings. Here they will find a nurturing environment in which to explore their creativity, build friendships and feel a sense of belonging.”

💡 GLOW Lyric Theatre | Fidelio (2018 opera production) | Goal: create accessible opera performances that touch current issues in the community

GLOW (a non-profit opera + musical theatre company) is producing Fidelio, the third show of the GLOW 2018 Festival and their only opera of the season. It’s Ludwig van Beethoven’s only opera, and this will be the first professional production of Fidelio in S.C.

“I can honestly say that Glow Lyric Theatre would not even exist without MAC. They were our very first grantor and have been instrumental in our ability to grow year after year.”

💃 Upstate International | Salsa at Sunset | Goal: highlight local dancers + regional Latin musicians to engage a wider audience in Greenville’s artistic diversity

Salsa at Sunset is a free, family-friendly summer salsa dance party held on July 14 + August 11 at 6 – 10 p.m. in front of the Peace Center (don’t worry, there will be lessons from 6 – 7 p.m.).

"Through this support, Salsa at Sunset has grown to be an event that families travel to the Upstate to participate in, that motivates individuals to learn a new language , that children take an interest in learning to play music because of, that makes retirees remember how much fun dancing can be, and that prompts people of different backgrounds to start conversations that lead to friendships across cultures. Now that is some kind of impact."

🎸 Community Foundation of Greenville | Josh White Commemorative Sculpture | Goal: to honor the life of Josh White, a world-renowned African-American guitarist, singer + songwriter born in Greenville

A new sculpture approved by the Arts and Public Places Commission will not only honor the legacy of a GVL musician, but introduce a contemporary sculpture series of tablets honoring a specific individual. The Josh White sculpture will feature double-sided bronze plaques 10 ft. wide + 9 ft. tall, created by sculptor Joe Thompson.

💬 Diana Farfán | “Conversation Starters” – A Production of Salt & Pepper Shakers | Goal: a collection of small ceramic sculptures that each tell a story + have an affordable price range

Five different sets of salt & pepper shakers have their own narrative, characters, and will definitely spark a conversation at your dinner table. Diana Farfán creates them using a slip cast technique, meaning each one is formed individually and given unique qualities by hand.

Do you have a project that needs funding?
MAC is now accepting project grant applications through August 15th, 2018. Visit the grants section of our website for more information or contact Alice Ratterree - alice@greenvilleARTS.com or (864) 467-3132

Your donations make these projects and many more possible. Learn more about how you can help support arts initiatives like these in our community.