COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Arts Commission joins individuals and organizations across South Carolina in remembering and honoring Governor Robert E. McNair. Eager to make cultural and artistic activities more widely available to the citizens of South Carolina, the late governor signed legislation to create the South Carolina Arts Commission in 1967. It was his vision that the arts “continue to grow and play an ever more significant part in the welfare and educational experiences of our citizens.”
“Governor McNair played a pivotal role in establishing state support for the arts in South Carolina,” said S.C. Arts Commission Executive Director Suzette Surkamer. "We have made great strides in increasing access to the arts and arts education in our state, and we are extremely grateful to Governor McNair for creating a solid foundation for our continuing work.”
Since accepting its mandate in 1967, the South Carolina Arts Commission has worked to increase the understanding of, support for and participation in the arts in communities throughout the state. Now, 40 years later, the Arts Commission honors Governor McNair for his support of the arts and for all South Carolinians.
About S.C. Arts Commission
The South Carolina Arts Commission is the state agency charged with creating a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their location or circumstances. Created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the Arts Commission is celebrating 40 years of increasing public participation in the arts by providing services, grants and leadership initiatives in three areas: arts education, community arts development and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Arts Commission is funded by the state of South Carolina and by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call (803) 734-8696.
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