From museums and galleries to live performances and literature, the arts infuse our community with culture and connect us to one another. Supporting local artists not only preserves this tapestry, but also fosters economic growth and educational development in the Upstate. And it’s easier than you think to contribute.
The arts around us
At the heart of Greenville’s arts scene is the Metropolitan Arts Council, an organization that fosters artistic growth with initiatives like First Fridays, Downtown Alive, Open Studios, SmartARTS, and more.
But possibly the most impactful facet of MAC is its quarterly grants program, which provides funding to individual artists, arts organizations, and arts education programs throughout Greenville County. Think:
- The International Ballet’s annual production of “The Nutcracker,” featuring live musicians from the Greenville Symphony Orchestra
- Wits End Poetry, which hosts live spoken word evenings at Coffee Underground every Sunday
- The Sigal Music Museum’s digital program, which allows users to virtually “play” instruments (psst... see how it works)
- Freda Sue’s solo exhibit, “Roots and Reflections,” which allowed her to broaden the scope of her work and introduce her talents to new audiences
These examples only scratch the surface. MAC’s grants support a diverse range of projects, from public art installations to educational workshops, ensuring that the arts remain accessible and dynamic within our community. Plus, their focus on equitable distribution ensures that all corners of the arts community receive what they need to thrive.
How you can support the arts, too
Hint: Giving back starts at $0, and the benefits are priceless.
- Attend an event (many are free).
- Donate to the grants program.
- Snag an ArtCard (and get buy-one-get-one-free tickets).
- Contribute to SmartARTS.
Support Greenville’s arts culture
