Today is National Nonprofit Day. There are so many wonderful and dedicated nonprofits that work everyday to serve the Midlands, so today we want to recognize the effort local arts nonprofits put into making a difference in our community.
Soda Citizens know that First Thursdays are for Boyd Plaza and the The Columbia Museum of Art, movies on Main Street mean a visit to The Nickelodeon, and that One Columbia works to support artists everyday. But there might be a few arts organizations you don’t know about. Let’s get to know 10+ organizations supporting the arts in Columbia.
Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet, 914 Pulaski St. | A pre-professional ballet company that gives participants the opportunity to explore his or her potential through valuable opportunities.
ColaJazz Foundation, 914 Pulaski St. | The organization is dedicated to growing, supporting, and promoting jazz in the Midlands through things like education, events, resources + more.
- ColaJazz is hosting a membership launch party on Aug. 29.
Columbia Design League, 1515 Main St. | Columbia Museum of Art hosts this art group to collaborate with local organizations to bring design programs and events to the region.
Corley Mill Artists’ Group, Locations vary | The CMAG’s mission is to make classes accessible to any person that wants to make art a part of his or her life.
Crooked Creek Art League, 1098 Old Lexington Hwy., Chapin | CCAL’s mission is to encourage and stimulate the practice + appreciation of creative arts.
City of Columbia Flag created by One Columbia + Columbia Design League in a partnership with the city | Photo via @mrdanielstetson
One Columbia, 1219 Taylor St. | This arts + culture-focused group promotes cultural tourism to Columbia, while working to raise the quality of life for residents.
Quilters of South Carolina, 4866 Harvest Ln., Orangeburg | The organization recognizes local quilters, provides opportunities + promotes the craft of quilt making.
South Carolina Artists, 1401 Hampton St. | An artist-to-artist group that provides encouragement, support + guidance, while also promoting awareness of art appreciation.
- Save the date for Autumn Faire on Nov. 6 at the Robert Mills House to explore 40+ arts and craft vendors.
South Carolina Philharmonic, 1702 Main St., Suite 100 | Supporting music education, raising awareness for classical music, and encouraging young instrumentalists locally.
South Carolina Writers Association, 1219 Taylor St. | The group offers a supportive environment for people to become better writers.
- A virtual workshop is coming up on Aug. 26 to learn more about writing diverse characters.
Storm Water Studios, 413 Pendleton St. | Stormwater Studios provides studio space to 10 artists and gallery space.
- Stay up-to-date on new exhibits and events happening at Storm Water here.
The Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. | As the leading arts museum + arts education resource in the state, the CMA works to make its services accessible to all.
The Nickelodeon, 1607 Main St. | Membership highlights an effort to bring great films, engaging conversations, educational programs and filmmaker support services to Columbia.
TAG Artwork displayed at The 1425 Inn | Photo via @the1425inn
Trenholm Artists Guild, 7494 Parklane Rd. | TAG supports the creative arts by maintaining small local exhibits at businesses around Columbia that feature member artwork.
- Members of TAG meet at the Richland County Recreation Commission’s Adult Activity Center on the second Monday of each month.
701 Center for Contemporary Art, 701 Whaley St. | 701 CCA’s mission is to promote the advancement of contemporary art locally and hosts an artist-in-residence program.
- Over the weekend, 701 CCA celebrated the Young Artist Festival, which grew to 3 locations this year.
