GDDF Engages Artspace To Explore Live/Work Space for Artists In The Charleston Region

The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation has engaged Artspace, the nation’s leading non-profit developers for the arts, to lead a Charleston county-wide exploration of the potential for a live/work space for artists. During a two-day visit, February 24th and 25th Artspace will tour several potential neighborhoods and meet with arts, business, government and other community members to explore the feasibility and type of arts related development that may make sense for the region. The public is invited to attend a town hall meeting on February 24th at 7:00pm EST at the Charleston Museum Auditorium, 360 Meeting Street, downtown Charleston, to learn more about Artspace and weigh in with ideas.

The study is intended as a key step towards the further exploration of creating new living and work spaces for artists in this rapidly developing region. A series of focus groups will explore 1) gaps and opportunities within the arts community, 2) potential funding sources, 3) support of local leadership, and 4) the viability for arts-related development. The intent is to include both emerging and established voices.

After the visit Artspace will evaluate all options, compile funding strategies and project concepts for further consideration.  If an art-centered complex is not cost effective or otherwise feasible for Charleston, Artspace will be frank about the challenges.

The Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation (GDDF), a private family foundation, invited Artspace to conduct the preliminary feasibility study. A group of local stakeholders have been convened to work with GDDF and Artspace on planning including:

Chris Fraser, Avison Young
Ray Huff, Clemson School of Architecture
Kyle Lahm, City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department
Michelle Mapp, SC Community Loan Fund
Bill Medich, South State Bank
Adam Parker, Post & Courier
Mark Sloan, The Halsey Institute of Art
Nancye Starnes, Kite Foundation
Scott Watson, City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs
Fletcher Williams, artist

People interested in participating in this process should contact Kerri Forrest, Lowcountry Program Director, at info@gddf.org or call (843) 277-2041.