South Carolina Arts Alliance Board to Convene in Greenwood

South Carolina Arts Alliance Board to Convene in Greenwood

GREENWOOD, SC — The South Carolina Arts Alliance Board of Directors is set to hold their annual retreat at the Arts Center of Greenwood from August 23-24. The gathering will mark the first business meeting of the new fiscal year and will include a day of strategic planning.

One of the highlights of their visit is a scheduled tour of local arts and cultural assets, organized with the help of Discover Greenwood. In addition to their internal activities, the board plans to welcome its five newest members, who joined on July 1st. On Friday evening, a small reception will be held for board members and local leaders.

“As one of South Carolina’s twelve Cultural Districts, Greenwood is a wonderful example of how investing in the arts and local history enriches economies and overall quality of life throughout the state,” said SCAA President Dana Gencarelli. “We’re very honored to have been invited to hold our annual retreat at the Arts Center of Greenwood and look forward to experiencing everything the community has to offer.”

Founded in 1979

The South Carolina Arts Alliance (SCAA) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to advocacy, leadership development, and public awareness for the arts. The organization has been instrumental in various initiatives, including advocating for increases in state funding to support arts organizations and arts education. Board members represent different communities from across the state, and Arts Center of Greenwood Executive Director Sylvia Martin has been an active member of the board since 2022.

Some of the Alliance’s recent work includes:

• Advocating for increased state funding for arts organizations and education.
• Conducting workshops and training sessions.
• Gathering over 350 arts leaders, artists, educators, students, and advocates at the State House in February for their annual SC Arts Day.

Additionally, the Alliance will be focusing on strategic planning during the retreat to outline their goals and initiatives for the year. The strategic planning session is expected to cover various topics aimed at further supporting the arts in South Carolina.

Upcoming Local Activities

In a parallel vein of enriching cultural activities, Greenwood is gearing up for several events:

• Master Gardeners Presentation: Garden enthusiasts can look forward to a presentation about garden myths by Master Gardeners Tom Nelson and Glennis Cannon. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch or snack.
• Chess Day: Every Thursday, “Chess Doors Open” from 6 pm to 10 pm. Open to all ages, skill levels, and experiences, this event promises to be a free, fun, and family-friendly gathering.
• Music Event: Jackson & The Post Hole Diggers are scheduled to perform in Greenwood. Guests are invited to have dinner and stay for the show.
• Riding Event: A ride to Break on the Lake in Greenwood is organized for interested participants, meeting at New Spring Church Anderson on the Concord Road side at 10:30 am.

Furthermore, a reception to recognize the 2023 Grant recipients will be held at the GWC meeting in the third quarter of 2024. The reception will feature a program portion and announcements of future themes and activities.

For those feeling stressed or anxious, Gravity Counseling Group offers a free wellness group that meets every fourth Wednesday of the month. This initiative aims to provide a community of healing, support, and empowerment.

With a mix of cultural enrichment, educational workshops, and strategic planning, Greenwood is poised to host a diverse set of activities, making it a hub for both residents and visitors alike.