South Carolina State Parks Artist in Residence Program 2027

You are invited to submit an application to be a part of the 2027 South Carolina State Parks Artist-In-Residence program. The Artist-In-Residence program provides artists with the opportunity to gain inspiration from the natural and cultural resources of the South Carolina state parks.

The South Carolina State Park Service will provide the use of park lodging to selected participants for a one-week period. Transportation to and from the selected park will be the responsibility of the artist. Artists may also choose to stay in their own camper or RV at the selected park.

In return, participating artists in both programs will deliver an original artwork representative of their stay at the park within 90 days of their residency. The original work will be displayed in the cabins and other facilities throughout the park, as deemed appropriate by the park manager.

Collaborative proposals will be considered for both programs. These programs are open to South Carolina residents and non-residents.

SouthCarolinaParks.com

Application Instructions

Applying is easy: The South Carolina State Parks Artist-In-Residence program is proud to join other major art events in ZAPP™, an online digital application system. Once an artist creates a profile and uploads images, application to multiple shows is just a click away. No printed applications will be mailed. The program will no longer accept paper applications and slides.

Program Location:
The South Carolina State Park Service will provide the use of park lodging, including a cabin, camper cabin or campsite, to selected participants for a one-week period.

Cabins, Villas, and Lodge rooms

Cabin amenities include a kitchen, bathroom, basic cooking equipment, electricity, water and all linens. Cabins sleep four to six people. Pets are not allowed. Transportation to and from the selected park will be the responsibility of the selected artist. The artist should bring all personal gear, food and art supplies. All applicants will be considered for placement in traditional lodging.

Parks hosting artists in traditional lodging include:

• Barnwell
• Givhans Ferry
• Oconee
• Santee

 

Carolina Camper Cabins

Camper Cabins and campsites provide artists with an exciting opportunity to connect with the outdoors on a deeper level and gain inspiration from the natural and cultural resources of the South Carolina state parks.

The South Carolina State Park Service will provide the use of a Carolina Camper Cabin for a one-week period to selected participants. Camper Cabins are one-room cabins that sleep four and include beds, a front porch, heating and air conditioning, indoor lights, electrical outlets and Wi-Fi service.

To add to the camping experience, there is no running water or restroom provided inside the camper cabins and cooking is not permitted inside the cabins. A water spigot, fire ring and grill are available outside of the cabins, and they are located only a short walk from restrooms and comfort stations.

To enjoy your camper cabin experience, please bring the following:

• Bed linens, pillows and sleeping bags
• Cooking and eating essentials
• Food and grocery items
• Cooler
• Outdoor chairs
• Health and hygiene essentials 

Applicants must select if they would like to be considered for placement in a camper cabin. Opting in to Camper Cabin placement does not disqualify an artist for placement in other lodging. 

Pets are not allowed in camper cabins. Transportation to and from the selected park will be the responsibility of the artist. Artists may also choose to stay in their own camper or RV at the selected park.

Parks hosting artists in camper cabins include:

• Colleton
• Dreher Island

Campsites

The South Carolina state parks offer some of the best camping opportunities in the state, with over 3,000 campsites statewide. We offer tent and RV camping experiences from the mountains to the sea and on most every major reservoir lake in between.

Artists placed in a cabin or camper cabin may also opt to stay in their own camper or RV at the selected park. 

We have several new parks participating in the Artist in Residence program by hosting artists in their campgrounds. The South Carolina State Park Service will provide the use of a campsite for one week to selected participants. Standard RV sites are equipped with water and 30-amp or 50-amp electric service. Many sites accommodate different size RVs. Some parks also offer full hookups.

To enjoy your camping experience, please bring the following:

• Camper or RV
• Blankets, pillows and sleeping bags
• Cooking and eating essentials
• Food and grocery items
• Cooler
• Outdoor chairs
• Health and hygiene essentials 

Applicants must select if they would like to be considered for placement in a campground. Opting into placement in a campground does not disqualify an artist for placement in other lodging types. 

Transportation to and from the selected park will be the responsibility of the artist. 

Parks hosting artists in campgrounds include:

• Calhoun Falls

In return, participating artists in the program will deliver an original artwork representative of their stay at the park within 90 days of their residency. The original work will be displayed in the cabins and other facilities throughout the park, as deemed appropriate by the park manager.
Collaborative proposals will be considered for both programs. These programs are open to South Carolina residents and non-residents.

Artisans must submit the online application along with four (4) images of his or her work for judging review. A non-refundable jury fee of $25.00 must accompany your application.

The Artist-In-Residence program is open to many art forms, but those who manipulate or disturb the park’s resources or use materials from endangered or threatened species will be excluded. Collecting materials from state park property is not permitted.

Selections will be made without regard to race, religion, marital status, sex, age, or national origin. All artists’ work must be original. SCPRT employees are not eligible to apply.

Categories:

Basketry, Clay/Porcelain, Glass, Leather/Fiber, Original Printmaking, Metal Work, Oil/Acrylic, Pen/ Ink, Photography, Stonework, Watercolor/Pastels, Woodwork and Other.

Jury Process:
A panel of state park representatives will review submitted images. Acceptance will be determined by score. A minimum score-based waiting list will be maintained with cancellations filled from the waiting list. The date of application will serve as a tiebreaker. The jury process will be completed by October 19, 2026, and you will receive notification by November 3, 2026. Artists not selected for the program will also be notified. 


Placement Process:
After being selected, the residency date will be determined by the availability of the cabins for their assigned park. Artists will be responsible for contacting their assigned park for their reservation.

Each park is hosting only one or two artists for the 2027 season. Placement at parks will be determined by the medium that each park is interested in displaying.

Digital Images:
The images you choose will be critical to your acceptance into the show and should focus on the style and techniques used. The jury has only your digital images with which to judge your work. Images must reflect works that have been created within the last five years.

Joint Exhibitors:
Exhibitors who work together in producing a particular type of work shall be regarded as joint exhibitors and need to submit only one application.

Accepted Applications:
Your acceptance letter will contain detailed information regarding park placement, deadlines for signed contracts, and artist information for related content published on SouthCarolinaParks.com.

Fees:
A non-refundable jury fee of $25.00 must accompany your application. You may pay with a credit card. This is a jury fee and is non-refundable.

Deadlines

Application Deadline: September 30, 2026

Notifications emailed by: November 3, 2026 (no notifications will be issued via phone or fax)

Acceptance contracts are due by: November 20, 2026

Residency arrangement deadline: January 15, 2027

 

All work must be original, designed and made by the artist(s). This will be strictly enforced. All works must be attributable solely to the artist(s). Unacceptable items for selection include, but are not limited to: kits, manufactured items, records, tapes, CDs, polished rocks, poetry, writing, drama and movies. AIR programs are open to many art forms, but those that manipulate or disturb the park’s resources or use materials from endangered or threatened species will be excluded. Collecting materials from state park property is not permitted.

Selections will be made without regard to race, religion, marital status, sex, age or national origin. All artists’ work must be original. SCPRT employees are not eligible to apply.