inspiring. engaging.

The humanities are how we understand ourselves, our world and how we communicate that understanding to others. South Carolina Humanities funds, promotes, counsels, and coordinates all manner of thoughtful (and thought-provoking) endeavors—exhibits, documentaries, discussion forums, research, planning, workshops, dramatizations, lectures, and on and on—that pertain to the humanities.

How can you get involved?

We are a small organization, but we accomplish big things with our partners throughout South Carolina.

We help to build communities and move South Carolina forward as a state. SC Humanities reaches many rural areas, increasing the cultural capacity of local institutions and providing local economic impact.

Won’t you join us in this endeavor?

Apply for a Grant

There are several categories of grants available to nonprofits, including major grants, mini & planning grants, and fast-track literary grants.

Request a Speaker

Request one of South Carolina’s finest scholars to share their knowledge and to spark discussions about human values, traditions, and cultures.

Start a Conversation

The "Let's Talk About It" book discussion series has long been the backbone of library programming offered by SC Humanities with assistance from the SC State Library.

Donate Today

Your support matters. Commit to a monthly gift or support a program that you are passionate about.

Attend an Event

Attend an exhibition or lecture, sign-up for a workshop, and more.

Celebrate the Humanities

The annual Governor's Awards in the Humanities Luncheon celebrates excellence in the humanities.

Featured News

"American Qur'an" Art Exhibition...

October 23, 2019

The University of South Carolina Upstate will highlight artwork by the American illustrator Sandow Birk in November as part of a program exploring art and religion in the United States…

SC Statehouse Monuments Tour

September 30, 2019

Since Columbia’s 1786 founding, the grounds of the South Carolina State House have grown from a 4-acre site bounded by Richardson (Main), Gervais, Assembly, and Senate streets into a 22-acre…

The Oxford American South...

September 4, 2019

South Carolina Humanities is pleased to announce its support of Oxford American‘s 21st Annual Southern Music Issue & CD featuring South Carolina! Oxford American is an acclaimed national magazine dedicated to featuring…

“To preserve us from utter ruine” The Revolution of 1719: Exhibit Opening

Author Annette Laing at Christmasville in Rock Hill

SC Humanities Is Pleased to Welcome Three New Board Members

Reaching Back and Looking Forward: Our Judges and Lawyers

Preservation Across the Disciplines

One Book, One College, One Community

“American Qur’an” Art Exhibition and public lectures

Who Will Write Our History

Art+Social Justice: The Legacy of the Freedom Riders

Word on the Street

At this time few things are more important than the exploration, discussion and reflection encouraged and facilitated by South Carolina Humanities - the state's primary vehicle for advancing shared cultural experiences and consideration of ideas. South Carolina Humanities energizes communities, libraries, schools, museums and higher education institutions reaching across the state to help make us all more understanding and, yes, more humane.

Sig Huitt

FORMER BOARD MEMBER

Through the 2016 SC Humanities Festival in Beaufort, people and groups gently stepped out from their silos and worked together to make our hometown an even better place… Historical and cultural organizations and artists of all kinds, from north and south of the Broad River, came together to present the SC Humanities Festival in Beaufort County. The theme was: ‘Inspire, Engage, and Enrich.’ We all came together seamlessly to give something very special!

Billy Keyserling

MAYOR OF BEAUFORT

fiscal year 2019

By the Numbers

$ 1 K

Grant Money Awarded

grants awarded

counties reached