North Charleston Arts Fest FAQs
General
Q: When is the next North Charleston Arts Fest?
A: Wednesday, May 3- Sunday, May 7, 2023
Q: Where does the Arts Fest take place?
A: The Arts Fest takes place in a variety of venues throughout North Charleston, SC, including libraries, community centers, businesses, parks, and more. Check out the event calendar for location details on each festival program. You may also find this video helpful.
Q: How can I participate in the Arts Fest as an artist, performer, or vendor?
A: Artists, performers, and vendors for the Arts Fest are selected through an open application process. Visit the APPLY page for a look at the available applications. Many of the applications are free.
Q: Where is my child’s artwork being displayed?
A: The Tri-County Youth Art and Tri-County High School Sculpture Exhibitions are on display in Exhibit Hall C of the Charleston Area Convention Center (5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, SC 29418). Viewing hours for 2023 are Wednesday, May 3, 6-8pm, Thursday-Saturday, May 4-6, 10am-6pm, and Sunday, May 7, Noon-5pm.
Q: Will there be food/drinks available for purchase at events?
A: Select Arts Fest events will have food available for purchase. Check event listings for details.
Q: Where can I purchase Arts Fest merchandise?
A: Arts Fest merchandise is available for purchase during the festival (May 3-7, 2023) at Exhibit Hall C of the Charleston Area Convention Center (5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, SC 29418) and Park Circle Gallery (4820 Jenkins Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405).
Q: How do I purchase a piece of art on display?
A: Staff is conducting sales of artwork in the Judged Fine Art, Judged Photography, and SC Palmetto Hands Fine Craft inside of Exhibit Hall C of the Charleston Area Convention Center (5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, SC 29418). Sales for exhibits on display at North Charleston City Hall, such as the African American Fiber Art Exhibition, are managed in the Cultural Arts Dept. office located on the 2nd floor of City Hall (2500 City Hall Lane, North Charleston, SC 29406).
Q: How much does it cost to attend an Arts Fest event?
A: All Arts Fest events and activities are FREE and open to all!
Judged Fine Art, Photography & Youth Art Competitions / Exhibitions
Q: Do I need to complete an application to enter my work in the Judged Fine Art or Photography Competition/Exhibitions?
A: No, there is no pre-registration or application required for these opportunities. Artists and photographers must simply drop-off their work during the designated times outlined in the prospectus. The prospectus contains all terms/regulations/entry instructions is available here.
Q: Where do I drop off my entries?
A: The Charleston Area Convention Center Exhibit Hall loading dock is the designated artwork drop-off area. The address is 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, SC 29418. Access the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex from West Montague Avenue. Turn onto Amsterdam Street, then turn left into the loading dock area. Park your vehicle and walk entries into the Exhibit Hall C loading door (far right). Directional signs will be posted. View the map!
Q: How many entries can I submit?
A: There is a maximum of 4 entries total per artist in Judged Fine Art ($10 per art entry) and 4 entries total per photographer in Judged Photography ($5 per photo entry).
Q: What is the difference between 2-D and 3-D art?
A: 2-D is artwork that exists in two dimensions (length and width), and is flat like a painting on canvas. 3-D art has three dimensions (height, length, and depth) and is an object in space, like a sculpture or a piece of pottery.
Q: What are the rules regarding relief or 3-D elements in the Judged Art Exhibition?
A: As per prospectus, no 3-D objects or elements accepted.
Q: What are the rules regarding Mixed Media in the Judged Art Exhibition?
A: As per prospectus, only 2-D mixed media pieces are accepted in the Judged Fine Art Competition & Exhibition. Submissions may not contain 3-D objects or elements. Mixed media can be described as a mix of acceptable mediums previously outlined and would not include photography or digital art. Artists submitting 2-D mixed media works must list mediums on title card at drop-off.
Q: Why are Drawing and Pastel different categories ?
A: Pastels can historically be considered both drawing and painting, depending on the amount of pastel covering the surface of the paper or canvas. In order to avoid any confusion, Pastel is its own category.
Q: What is New Media?
A: New media utilizes digital technology or graphic software, such as Procreate or Adobe Illustrator, to compose or create original artwork. New media entries for this exhibition must be printed and ready for display.
Q: Why does my piece have to be ready to hang? Do you have supplies for me to wire my piece?
A: As per prospectus, works must be “ready to hang securely with wire.” No supplies will be made available. There is a Walmart near Tanger Outlets across from the Convention Center that may have supplies available.
Q: What are the rules regarding relief or 3-D elements on Youth Artwork?
A: As noted in prospectus, “no 3D objects/elements that measure more than 1/4” from surface” are allowed. Pieces incorporating objects like sequins, googly eyes, and tissue paper will be accepted.
Q: When will awards be announced?
A: Winners for Judged Fine Art and Photography, South Carolina Palmetto Hands Fine Craft, and the National Outdoor Sculpture Competitions will be acknowledged at our Opening Celebration on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 6:30pm (full event scheduled for 6-8pm). Join us for free food/bevs, live music, painting demos, and get a first look at the art on display in Exhibit Hall C. Winners will also be notified by mail with a letter and w-9 form to complete.