Charleston, SC Economic Development


Arts & Culture

Arts and entertainment are an integral part of the Charleston local lifestyle. Area residents actively support the performing, literary and visual arts - including a world-class symphony orchestra, a ballet company, several stage companies, a number of museums and a growing base of art galleries and artist studios.

In fact, AmericanStyle magazine recently listed the Charleston area as one of the top five arts destinations in the United States. From improv to Broadway, world beat to roadhouse blues, classic architecture to five-star cuisine - there's always something in Charleston to excite the mind and inspire the spirit. 		related information

Performing ArtsVisual ArtsHistoric & Cultural AttractionsFestivals & Events
On any given day, area residents choose from a diverse array of live performances held throughout the Charleston region. In addition to nationally recognized performers, community-based musicians, actors and dance troupes regularly take the stage.

The School of the Arts at the College of Charleston adds to this dynamic environment with plays, dance performances, lectures and concerts, including the popular Monday Night Concert Series, the International Piano Series and International Guitar Series.

Among the venues and companies bringing performing arts to Charleston: For a comprehensive listing of scheduled events in the area, visit the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Charleston Post and Courier, or the Charleston City Paper.
The Charleston region has become a destination of choice for many of today's most engaging visual artists. The region supports dozens of working studios and art galleries, with shows and exhibits held regularly in venues throughout the area.

The Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston City Gallery and others regularly host touring exhibitions along with their own collections. Contemporary art can be found at venues ranging from Redux Contemporary Art Center to 10 Storehouse Row.

Among the many visual arts venues located in Charleston: For a listing of the many galleries in the region and a comprehensive listing of scheduled events, visit the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Charleston Post and Courier, or the Charleston City Paper.
Charleston's unique character is rooted in its history and dedication to preservation. The city's beginnings (circa 1670) are found at a site on the Ashley River, now preserved as the historic site and nature preserve, Charles Towne Landing.

Throughout the region are well-preserved remnants of centuries past, including former rice plantations, Revolutionary and Civil wars artifacts and early American architecture.

From colonial and antebellum history to local culture and the natural environment, the Charleston region supports a vast array of museums and other cultural attractions, such as: For a comprehensive listing of area historic and cultural attractions, visit the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau or the Historic Charleston Foundation.
Searching for something to do is never a challenge in the Charleston region. A growing, diverse array of events and festivals are held throughout the year, with themes ranging from sports to music and from flowers to food. Perhaps the area's most famous arts event is the annual Spoleto Festival USA, a 17-day international tribute to the arts featuring an eclectic mix of visual and performing arts at venues throughout the region.

In addition to annually scheduled events, Charleston periodically hosts a number of events that rotate among locations, such as the World Cup of Golf, the Ryder Cup and the Around Alone sailing competition.

Charleston's special events provide ideal opportunities for corporate entertaining, and several offer pre-packaged entertainment options. For a comprehensive listing of scheduled events, visit the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Charleston Post and Courier, or the Charleston City Paper.