A healthy cultural community is a keystone to developing and strengthening the quality of life for residents and visitors. The North Charleston Cultural Arts Department is actively involved in developing the cultural community through assisting individual artists and arts organizations. Activities include:

• Utilizing professional artists/arts organizations in a diverse array of cultural events for residents and visitors.
• Providing donated or affordable space at the Cultural and Civic Complex for studios/rehearsals/productions/performances/classes/offices, etc.
• Establishing the Cultural Collaboratives Program, which provides established cultural organizations the opportunity to co-sponsor with the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department on long term or short-term programs of mutual interest. This program provides low-risk, affordable or free opportunities for existing organizations to expand their programs/services. Some current examples include: workshops, classes, performances and outreach programs.
• Providing technical assistance to artists as requested on a variety of topics.
• Providing rosters, referrals and recommendations to agencies seeking to hire artists.
• Providing relocation information for artists seeking to move into North Charleston.
• Publicizing studio artists, arts organizations, and Cultural Collaborative co-sponsors in our printed Quarterly guide and web page. We also provide the Noisette Company with a list for their web site of artists and arts organizations located in the Noisette redevelopment area.
• Providing funding assistance through the Lowcountry Quarterly Arts Grant Program. This is the sub granting or small grants program of the South Carolina Arts Commission and is administered and partially funded by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department and the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs. Over thirty organizations and artists benefit from this program annually. Grants are limited to $1,000. (See applications for guidelines). Other small grants are also administered through the office.
• Serving on various boards and committees at the local and state level that promote the development of the cultural community.
• Aiding in the City of North Charleston's partnership with the Noisette Company to use the arts as a tool for revitalization and economic development.

Call the Cultural Arts Department for more information on any of the above programs/services (843)745-1087.