When we think of the arts scene that shines in Greenville, we tend to focus on the big marquees—but it’s the wealth of small, diverse, bootstrapping organizations that are the foundation of what makes our region a true creative hub.
“It’s smaller entities that benefit from our project grant program support the most,” says Alan Ethridge, executive director of the Metropolitan Arts Council. “When they lack the staff and resources to solicit large individual donations, this funding is vital to their existence. Through our grants programs, we’re able to make a lot of people really happy while impacting the community, and we fund as many projects and groups as we can (as long as they meet certain criteria). It’s a very egalitarian process.”
This year, we’re highlighting three MAC-supported groups that have a long history of excellence—and put on must-see performances year-round.
With 93 concerts under their belt, The Wheel Sessions from Kevin Korschgen host some of the best regional and international musicians around. “The fine arts, including jazz concerts like ours, have always depended on patronage and philanthropy to survive, and MAC plays an integral role in that,” says Korschgen. “Our current grant is to purchase equipment to record each live session,” he adds, “and possibly put these shows on YouTube.”
At the Greenville Chautauqua Society, the literary arts are transformed into intimate theater experiences through free public performances. “They bring in actors both locally and from abroad to give fun performances as famous historical characters. Some of their themes have covered everything from General Custer and Hamilton to Betty Davis and Julia Child,” Ethridge says. The Greenville branch is now the only independent Chautauqua in the world with an eleven-day, two-weekend festival of non-stop live history and fun for the whole family—an impressive feat that wouldn’t be possible without grant funding.
And as classical music fans know, few organizations impact and encourage the next generation of musicians like the Greenville County Youth Orchestras. “Concert production is expensive and is a large part of our budget. MAC quarterly program grants have allowed us to give our students yearly performance opportunities in special venues like Gunter Theatre,” says Executive Director Holly Caprell. “At the same time, this frees up part of our budget to provide financial aid assistance and private lesson costs for students in need.” Looking to be starstruck by rising stars? The GCYO will be returning to the Peace Center on May 10.
Small initiatives doing grand things with Metropolitan Arts Council grant funding
- Indie Craft Parade: Multiple pop-up shops and markets support local + regional artists and promote Greenville’s creative community.
- Reedy Reels: Celebrating local filmmakers with year-round events and an annual film festival.
- SC Bach: Affordable, breathtaking performances of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and his contemporaries.
“When we give a grant, we don’t stay involved in any management of the funds or decisions. Full creative freedom goes to the recipient to pursue the stories they want to tell,” says Ethridge, and to be on the selection committee is to have a direct hand in helping those stories come to life. “We meet quarterly, and our process is very democratic. MAC leadership doesn’t vote; we only facilitate the process,” says Alice Ratterree, MAC’s director of operations. “Our panel of interviewers changes often and is composed of board members, community members, and other artists. We hear from organizations on their vision and project needs and assess if they’re able to take the project to completion.”
“We’re a city of 70,000 people in the northwest corner of South Carolina, but look at all the art amenities we have,” adds Ethridge, pointing once again to the tremendous impact and influence both these small groups and large venues continue to wield. “The Artisphere festival is consistently ranked as a Top 10 Arts Festival in the country, and it’s only been around since 2005. That says a lot about the civic pride that surrounds the arts offerings in Greenville. None of this could be done without support from the community.”
Inquire to join the grant selection committee or find details about grant eligibility and application forms at greenvillearts.com.
