Mission & History
We support Comprehensive arts in sc
Dance / Music / Theatre / Visual Arts / Creative Writing / Media Arts
Vision
The arts are valued as fundamental to every student’s development.
Mission
We strive to ensure students in South Carolina have access to arts-rich educational opportunities as a core component of curriculum.
Our Values
Accessibility
Every student has a right to the arts.
- We believe every person and community has the right to quality arts education, regardless of identity, situation, or circumstance.
- We are committed to ensuring equitable access by intentionally addressing the unique needs of students, educators, schools, and districts.
Student-Centered
Students deserve an educational experience that is engaging and empowering.
- We prioritize creating and supporting environments where student ideas are central and have influence on professional practices.
- We believe student-centered environments empower students to engage authentically in their learning.
Community
Expertise is held within a community.
- We prioritize mutual partnerships as essential to every aspect of our work.
- We recognize transparency and accountability as cornerstones of trusting relationships.
- Our collaboration within a community is guided by principles of sincerity, respect, and courage.
Inquiry & Innovation
Excellence is achieved through continual reflection and growth.
- We challenge ourselves to continually reflect on our own practices as well as seek out and elevate differing perspectives and ideas.
- We measure our success through support for exemplary, arts-rich learning environments and practices.
- Our growth allows us to expand access to opportunities for learning in and through the arts that are responsive to and reflective of the many, diverse communities we serve.
The ABC Institute is cooperatively directed by the South Carolina Arts Commission, the South Carolina Department of Education and the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Winthrop University.
Strategic FrameworkABC History
Timeline
'87
SCAC Recieves a $20,000 Planning Grant
The South Carolina Arts Commission receives a $20,000 Arts in Schools Basic Education planning grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to develop the Arts in Basic Curriculum Project.
'88
ABC Plan is Published
The Arts in Basic Curriculum Steering Committee publishes the ABC Plan, calling for comprehensive, substantive, and sequential arts education for all students.
'89
First 30 Schools & Districts Apply for ABC Grants
The first round of ABC Model Site planning grants is offered by the S.C. Arts Commission. More than 30 schools and districts apply; 11 grants are awarded.
'90
SCAC Awards First Round of Model Site Grants
The S.C. Arts Commission awards the first round of ABC Model Site implementation grants to nine schools and school districts.
'94
First Leadership Curriculum is Presented at Lander University
The first Curriculum Leadership Institute for the Arts (CLIA), designed to cultivate leaders among arts teachers, is presented at Lander University.
'98
SC Legislature Passes the Education Accountability Act
The S.C. Legislature passes the Education Accountability Act (EAA) with arts education language included, thanks to determined ABC Institute advocacy.
'03
ABC Institute Reform Model Represents in Washington, D.C.
The ABC Institute was one of six arts education reform models from across the nation highlighted at the National Arts Education (AEP) Partnership meeting in Washington, D.C.
'10
First Local Arts Education Advocacy Workshop
One hundred and six teachers, administrators from ABC Sites, community leaders and arts council members participate in the first Local Arts Education Advocacy workshop.
'13
$1 Million Increase in Grant Funding
With support from arts education advocates, the S.C. Arts Commission secures a $1 million increase in grant funding from the S.C. General Assembly.
'14
Task Force Responds to New Research & Climate for Education Reform
The ABC Institute and the S.C. Arts Commission convene the 2014 Arts Education Task Force to respond to new research and a new climate for education reform and to push arts education in S.C. to the next level.
'16
Additional Increase in Grant Funding
With support from arts education advocates, the S.C. Arts Commission secures an additional $1 million increase in education funding from the S.C. General Assembly and the number of ABC Sites increases to 56.
'20
Introducing ABC Network
ABC School Certification replaces ABC Sites and introduces the ABC Network for greater inclusivity and services as a state resource.
'21
'21
AAE Grant
ABC is awarded a United State Department of Education Assistance in Art Education grant to support the Community Access to the Arts in Rural Education (CARE) Project.
'22
ABC Institute Rebrand & 35th Anniversary
After 35 years, ABC is not merely a project but an institution of leadership for countless educators. A first-of-its kind national model in 1987, the South Carolina Arts Commission’s partnership with the South Carolina Department of Education and Winthrop University is no project. It is an established collaboration that has sustained numerous challenges and continues to serve as an innovative model to assist student recovery from the unprecedented crisis of a pandemic.
803-323-2451
147 McLaurin Hall
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC 29733
