Performers and South Carolina visual artists can apply free for the 2027 North Charleston Arts Fest, April 28 to May 2. The poster winner gets $2,000. Deadline Dec. 15.

The City of North Charleston is looking for artists for the 2027 North Charleston Arts Fest. Two calls are open now, and both close at midnight on Tuesday, Dec. 15. Neither charges a fee.

The festival runs April 28 to May 2, 2027, at venues across the city. It will be the 44th edition, the city’s Cultural Arts Department said.

Who can apply to perform or present

The department is seeking artists in these fields:

  • music
  • theater
  • dance
  • visual art
  • media art
  • literature

Regional and local artists and community groups can apply to perform on stage. They can also propose exhibitions, lectures, demonstrations or workshops. Proposals for new concepts are encouraged, the city said in its call for performers and presenters.

Applications go through the festival’s online application page. Agents applying for two or more acts should call the department at 843-740-5854 for separate instructions.

A review panel picks the lineup. The city said it aims for free events that suit the venues and appeal to a range of ages, cultures and backgrounds.

The poster competition

The second call is the festival’s poster design competition. The winning piece becomes the official 2027 Arts Fest design, according to the city’s poster competition announcement. It will appear on posters, billboards, TV ads, the program booklet and festival apparel.

What the winner gets:

  • a $2,000 purchase award, up from last year’s prize
  • a solo exhibition at Park Circle Gallery in May 2027
  • a place in the City of North Charleston’s Public Art Collection, which hangs at City Hall

The rules:

  • open to South Carolina residents 18 and older
  • up to three pieces per artist
  • accepted media are acrylic, oil, drawing, pastel, watercolor, fiber, printmaking and 2-D mixed media
  • entries are submitted online through the department’s SlideRoom portal

Last year’s winner was Mary Glenn Keadle of Charleston. Amy Stewart of North Charleston won in 2025, the city said.

What it means for you

  • If you perform, teach or exhibit: apply by midnight Tuesday, Dec. 15. There is no fee.
  • If you paint or draw and live in South Carolina: the poster contest has the same deadline. The prize is $2,000 and a gallery show.
  • If you need help applying: the Cultural Arts Department will set up a one-on-one meeting by phone, video or in person. Call 843-740-5854 or email culturalarts@northcharleston.org.
  • If you just want to go: most Arts Fest events are free. Our Arts Fest guide covers what to expect, and our things to do page lists what is on this weekend.