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Greenville Supports the Next Generation of Artists

The Greenville, South Carolina, community is shaping young talent.

By Kelly Rogers on October 14, 2022

Brandon Fellowship Exhibition
Antoino Milian

Greenville is known as a place where the arts thrive, and the community is committed to growing and shaping the next generation of artists, too.

One well-established institution leading the way when it comes to fostering young artists in Greenville is the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. A residential high school in Greenville where students live on campus, it’s a place where arts and academics work in harmony, simultaneously giving attendees a well-rounded education and a deeper concentration on their chosen area of study. Some available disciplines include dance, drama, music, visual arts and creative writing.

“Over the past 22 years, our arts programming and academic offerings continue to expand to meet the interests and needs of our students,” says Dr. Cedric Adderley, president of the school. “For example, within the past 10 years, we have added animation, contemporary/modern dance, music technology, screenwriting and musical theater into our existing programs.”

Students are given the chance to showcase their skills throughout the ]year by participating in performances and competitions. The Governor’s School also prides itself on providing a top-notch academic education and teaching valuable life skills.

“We often hear that the life skills [students] gained here, such as living independently, self-advocacy, organization and time management, combined with the skills they learned through their arts training, helped them succeed in college and their careers,” Adderley says.

Brandon Fellowship Exhibition
Antoino Milian
Brandon Fellowship Exhibition

Supporting Young Artists

Other Greenville institutions that support young artists include South Carolina Children’s Theatre, the Fine Arts Center of Greenville County Schools and Carolina Youth Symphony Orchestra, to name a few.

Young artists needing support after high school can tap the Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA). Located in the heart of Greenville’s Arts District, GCCA is a nonprofit community arts center that offers year-round arts education and classes, runs community outreach programs and provides a home to 25 local artists who work in-house in their own state-of-the-art studios on-site.

One of GCCA’s most notable programs is the Brandon Fellowship, a yearlong program for diverse, emerging artists aged 21-30. Three candidates are selected each year, and the comprehensive fellowship includes studio space, a stipend for art supplies, classes and workshops, mentorship from local artists, opportunities for networking and collaboration, and exhibition space.

“We are seeing a growing number of applicants, showcasing the need for this type of opportunity in the Upstate,” says Jess Burgess, chief executive officer. “Many of our previous fellows have gone on to have very successful post-fellowship career paths. Previous fellows also stay involved in the center through various teaching and volunteer opportunities within the Art School and our Summer Arts Camp.”

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