South Carolina Law > Code of Laws > Title 60

SECTION 60-15-10. Legislative declaration of policy.

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State to join with private patrons and with institutions and professional organizations concerned with the arts to insure that the role of the arts in the life of our communities will continue to grow and play an ever more significant part in the welfare and educational experience of our citizens. It is further declared that all activities undertaken by the State in carrying out this policy shall be directed toward encouraging and assisting rather than limiting the freedom of artistic expression that is essential for the well-being of the arts.

HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 9-351; 1967 (55) 439.

SECTION 60-15-20. South Carolina Arts Commission created; appointment and qualifications of members.

There is hereby created the South Carolina Arts Commission, to consist of nine members, representative of all fields of the creative and interpretive arts, to be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate from among private citizens who are widely known for their professional competence and experience in connection with the interpretive and creative arts. In making such appointments consideration shall be given to the recommendations made by representative, civic, educational and professional associations and groups, concerned with or engaged in the production or presentation of the fine arts generally.

HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 9-352; 1967 (55) 439.

SECTION 60-15-30. Terms of commission members; reappointment; executive director; vacancies.

The terms of office of members shall be three years, and until their successors have been appointed and qualify. No member of the commission shall be eligible for appointment for more than two consecutive full terms. The commission shall designate an executive director to serve at the pleasure of the commission and who shall be the chief executive officer of the commission. All vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term in the manner of original appointment.

HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 9-353; 1967 (55) 439; 1969 (56) 94; 1982 Act No. 464, Section 1.

SECTION 60-15-40. Compensation of director and commission members.

The executive director shall receive such compensation as may be provided in the annual general appropriations act and shall be reimbursed for all expenses actually incurred by him in the performance of his duties, within the amount appropriated therefor. The other members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall receive such per diem, mileage and subsistence as provided by law for members of boards, commissions and committees.

HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 9-354; 1967 (55) 439.

SECTION 60-15-50. Commission may employ and remove officers and other employees.

The commission may employ, and at its pleasure remove, such officers, experts or other employees as may be needed and shall fix their compensation within the amount appropriated therefor.

HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 9-355; 1967 (55) 439.

SECTION 60-15-60. Duties of commission.

The duties of the commission shall include but not be limited to the following:

(1) To stimulate and encourage throughout the State the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts and public interest and participation therein;

(2) To make such studies as may be deemed advisable of public and private institutions engaged within the State in artistic and cultural activities, including but not limited to music, theater, dance, painting, sculpture, architecture and allied arts and crafts, and to make recommendations concerning appropriate methods to encourage participation in and appreciation of the arts to meet the legitimate needs and aspirations of persons in all parts of the State;

(3) To take such steps as may be necessary and appropriate to encourage public interest in the cultural heritage of the State of South Carolina and to expand the State's cultural resources; and

(4) To do such other things as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 9-356; 1967 (55) 439.

SECTION 60-15-70. Powers of commission.

The commission is hereby authorized to hold public or private hearings; to enter into contracts, within the amount made available by appropriation therefor, with individuals, organizations and institutions for services furthering the educational objectives of the commission's programs; to enter into contracts, within the amount made available by appropriation therefor, with local and regional associations for cooperative endeavors furthering the educational objectives of the commission's programs; to accept gifts, contributions and bequests of an unrestricted nature from individuals, foundations, corporations and other organizations or institutions for the purpose of furthering the educational objectives of the commission's programs; to purchase and own property, both real and personal; to make and sign any agreements and to do and perform any acts that may be necessary, desirable or proper to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The commission may request and shall receive from any department or agency of the State such assistance and data as will enable it to carry out its power and duties.

HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 9-357; 1967 (55) 439; 1969 (56) 94.

SECTION 60-15-75. Statewide cultural districts.

(A) The commission shall develop criteria and guidelines for designating a cultural district by the State.

(B) A cultural district:

(1) must be a geographical area that is within a community and that has a concentration of cultural facilities, creative enterprises, or arts venues located within it;

(2) may be home to not-for-profit and for-profit creative entities; and

(3) is intended to impact the larger community in which it is located by:

(a) attracting artists, creative entrepreneurs, and cultural enterprises;

(b) encouraging economic development;

(c) encouraging the preservation and reuse of historic buildings;

(d) fostering local cultural development; and

(e) providing a focal point for celebrating and strengthening its unique cultural identity.

(C) A geographical area of the State only may be designated as a cultural district under the provisions of this section by applying to the commission for the designation, satisfying criteria and other requirements of this section, and upon approval by the commission.

(D) The commission shall:

(1) provide leadership and assistance to a community that seeks to develop or foster a cultural district;

(2) develop a process through which a community may apply for the designation of a cultural district by the State, including:

(a) specific guidelines and criteria; and

(b) a process for the periodic evaluation of the success of a designated cultural district and the periodic recertification of the district; and

(3) pursue partnerships and collaborative agreements with other public agencies and the private sector to maximize the benefits and value of cultural districts designated by the commission.

HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 232 (S.1172), Section 1, eff June 3, 2014.

SECTION 60-15-80. Reports of commission.

The commission shall make an annual report to the Governor and the legislature and shall make such other reports as it deems necessary.

HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 9-358; 1967 (55) 439.

SECTION 60-15-90. Commission designated official agency of State to receive certain federal funds.

The Commission shall be the official agency of the State to receive and disburse any funds made available by the Federal Government for programs related to the creative and interpretive arts.

HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 9-359; 1967 (55) 439.