South Carolina State Parks Artist-In-Residence
The Artist-In-Residence application for 2023 has closed. The 2024 application will become available in the fall of 2023.
The Artist-In-Residence program provides artists with the opportunity to gain inspiration from the natural and cultural resources of the South Carolina state parks.
The South Carolina State Park Service will provide the use of a cabin to selected participants for a one-week period. Transportation to and from the selected park will be the responsibility of the artist. Artists may also choose to stay in their own camper or RV at the selected park.
In return, participating artists in both programs will deliver an original artwork representative of their stay at the park within 90 days of their residency. The original work will be displayed in the cabins and other facilities throughout the park, as deemed appropriate by the park manager.
Collaborative proposals will be considered for both programs. These programs are open to South Carolina residents and non-residents.
Artist-In-Residence program
The Artist-In-Residence (AIR) program provides artists with the opportunity to gain inspiration from the natural and cultural resources of the South Carolina state parks.
The South Carolina State Park Service will provide the use of a cabin to selected participants for a one-week period.
Amenities include a kitchen, bathroom, basic cooking equipment, electricity, water and all linens. Cabins sleep up to four people. Pets are not allowed. Transportation to and from the selected park will be the responsibility of the selected artist. The artist should bring all personal gear, food and art supplies. All applicants will be considered for placement in traditional lodging.
Rustic Artist-In-Residence program
The Rustic AIR program provides artists with an exciting opportunity to connect with the outdoors on a deeper level and gain inspiration from the natural and cultural resources of the South Carolina state parks.
The South Carolina State Park Service will provide the use of a Carolina Camper Cabin at Lake Hartwell State Park, Little Pee Dee State Park, Chester State Park, Colleton State Park or Dreher Island State Park for a one-week period to selected participants.
These one-room cabins sleep four and include beds, a front porch, heating and air conditioning, indoor lights, electrical outlets and Wi-Fi service.
To add to the camping experience, there is no running water or restroom provided inside the camper cabins and cooking is not permitted inside the cabins. A water spigot, fire ring and grill are available outside of the cabins, and they are located only a short walk from restrooms and comfort stations.
To enjoy your camper cabin experience, please bring the following:
- Bed linens, pillows and sleeping bags
- Cooking Gear
- Food and grocery items
- Cooler
- Outdoor chairs
Applicants must select if they would like to be considered for placement in a camper cabin. Opting in to Rustic placement does not disqualify an artist for traditional placement.
Pets are not allowed in camper cabins and many of our lodging amenities. Transportation to and from the selected park will be the responsibility of the artist. Artists may also choose to stay in their own camper or RV at the selected park.
Application Process
Applying is easy: The South Carolina State Parks Artist-In-Residence program is proud to join other major art events in ZAPP™, an online digital application system. Once an artist creates a profile and uploads images, application to multiple shows is just a click away. No printed applications will be mailed. The program will no longer accept paper applications and slides.
The Artist-In-Residence and Rustic AIR programs are open to many art forms, but those that manipulate or disturb the park’s resources or use materials from endangered or threatened species will be excluded. Collecting materials from state park property is not permitted.
Selections will be made without regard to race, religion, marital status, sex, age or national origin. All artists’ work must be original. SCPRT employees are not eligible to apply.
The following must be included in your application:
- The application form
- Four (4) images of artwork
- $25.00 application fee
Selection Process
A panel of state park representatives will review submitted images. Within two weeks of jurying, accepted artists will receive notification of acceptance. Acceptance will be determined by score. A minimum score-based waiting list will be maintained with cancellations filled from the waiting list. Artists that are not selected will also be notified.
The Artist-In-Residence program is open to many art forms, but those that manipulate or disturb the park’s resources or use materials from endangered or threatened species will be excluded. Collecting materials from state park property is not permitted.
Placement Process
After being selected, the residency date will be determined by the availability of the cabins for their assigned park. Artists will be responsible for contacting their assigned park for their cabin reservation.
Each park is hosting only one or two artists for the 2023 season. Placement at parks will be determined by the medium that each park is interested in displaying.
The following parks will be hosting artists for the 2023 season:
- Barnwell
- Cheraw
- Colleton
- Devils Fork
- Dreher Island
- Edisto Beach
- Givhans Ferry
- Hickory Knob
- Myrtle Beach
- Oconee
- Poinsett
- Santee
- Table Rock
Questions?
Please email Mikaela Groomes at mgroomes@scprt.com