What is the Mission?
The North Charleston Cultural Arts Department calls for multi-discipline arts programming that reaches the community through a variety of programs and services provided in four categories: general public, outreach, artist assistance, and economic development.

• General Public Programs
  These reach residents and visitors of all ages and backgrounds and provide enrichment opportunities for individuals and positive exposure for our City. Programs that encompass the performing, visual and literary arts are too numerous to list individually. They range from theater, concerts, art exhibits, and classes.
  
  
• Outreach Programs
  Scheduled throughout the year at various locations and are designed to reach our city's youth, senior citizens, low-income residents, youth at risk and underserved populations. Our school program is an outreach example. This program brings professional artists into city schools to conduct educational performances and demonstrations. Last year, a total of 15 schools participated in the performing component with over 7,000 students benefiting. Another 2,000 students participated in the visual artist component, which featured fine art workshops conducted by the City's Artist in Residence.
  
  
• Artist Assistance
  Efforts include small grants, technical assistance, and the Lowcountry Quarterly Arts Grants Program partnership with the City of Charleston, affordable/donated space for artists, information sharing, referrals and studio relocation assistance. These programs touch the lives of hundreds of artists each year. In return for assistance, many artists provide valuable Outreach Programs to the community.
  
  
• Economic Development
  Efforts include work with local and regional initiatives to advance the cultural industry such as: The Charleston Area Convention Center, the Mayor's Commission on Tourism, the Noisette Company redevelopment partnership, arts related business development and the SC Heritage Corridor. Much effort has been spent this year to prepare for launching the SC Heritage Corridor Program in this region. This tourism initiative will enable communities to highlight their nature based, historic and cultural resources.

The cultural arts program drew over 52,000 programs participants for the year. The Sterett Hall Complex drew over 134,000 participants. Projections are for continued growth in all areas as newly renovated space becomes available. The additional spaces will open the door to a new array of program and rental studio possibilities, and serve as a catalyst for redevelopment.

North Charleston has a tremendous potential for growth in the years to come. The North Charleston Cultural Arts Department staff and volunteers are eager to assist in the development and implementation of programs that enhance the experience of our citizens, visitors, and businesses.

Objectives

• To assist in the development of local art groups/artists by serving as requested on city or regional committees dealing with projects involving economic development, planning and tourism.
• To provide art groups/artists with assistance through sub-granting, technical assistance, donated or affordable space for art groups/artists to produce and/or showcase their art form.
• To continue dialogue/coordination with our government entities, cultural organizations, artists, visitor's bureaus, community and business leaders to advance the region culturally.
• Support local and statewide efforts that strengthen the arts industry locally and statewide.