Starshine: South Carolina's Free Summer Arts Program for Young People

What Starshine offers and who can join

Starshine is a free summer arts program run by the South Carolina Arts in Basic Curriculum (ABC) project, designed for young people in grades K–12. The program brings visual arts, performing arts, and creative writing to students across the state during the summer months when school is not in session. Participants work with teaching artists in their own communities rather than traveling to a central location.

The program is open to all young people in South Carolina, with no cost to participants or their families. Starshine sites operate in different regions throughout the state, and each location offers a mix of art forms depending on the teaching artists available that summer. Some sites focus heavily on visual arts like painting and sculpture, while others emphasize theater, dance, music, or creative writing.

Key Takeaways

• Starshine is a free summer program for K–12 students that brings arts instruction to communities across South Carolina at no cost to families.
• The program operates at multiple sites throughout the state, each offering different art forms depending on available teaching artists.
• Sessions typically run for several weeks during the summer, with schedules varying by location and year.
• You can find your nearest Starshine site and register through the South Carolina Arts in Basic Curriculum project website or by contacting your local school district.

How to find and register for a Starshine site near you

Starshine sites are scattered across South Carolina's regions, so the first step is locating the one closest to your home or school. The South Carolina Arts in Basic Curriculum project maintains a list of active sites on its website, organized by county and region. You can also contact your local school district's arts coordinator, who often has information about summer programs in your area.

Registration typically opens in late spring for the summer session. Most sites ask families to register online or by phone, and some require a simple form with the student's name, age, grade level, and contact information. Because Starshine is free, there are no fees to pay at registration. Spots can fill up, especially at popular sites, so registering early increases the chance of securing a place.

What a typical Starshine session looks like

A Starshine session usually runs for two to four weeks, meeting several days per week for a few hours each day. The exact schedule depends on the site and the year—some programs run morning sessions, others in the afternoon, and a few offer both. Students work in small groups with a teaching artist who guides them through projects, techniques, and creative exploration in their chosen art form.

In a visual arts session, students might learn drawing, painting, printmaking, or sculpture. In a performing arts session, they could participate in theater games, dance, or music-making. Creative writing sessions often include poetry, short stories, and collaborative storytelling. Most sites culminate the summer with a showcase or performance where students display or present their work to families and community members.

What teaching artists bring to Starshine

Starshine relies on professional teaching artists—people trained in both their art form and in teaching young people. These artists are hired specifically for the summer program and bring real-world experience in their fields. A teaching artist in visual arts might be a painter, sculptor, or graphic designer; a performing arts artist might be an actor, dancer, or musician; a writing artist might be a published poet or novelist.

The teaching artists design lessons that meet students where they are, whether they have prior arts experience or are encountering an art form for the first time. They emphasize creative process over product, meaning students are encouraged to experiment, take risks, and develop their own artistic voice rather than simply copying an example. This approach helps build confidence and a genuine love of making art.

Why Starshine matters in South Carolina communities

Arts programs like Starshine fill a gap that exists in many South Carolina schools, where budget cuts have reduced or eliminated arts classes during the regular school year. For students who have little or no access to arts instruction at school, Starshine offers a chance to explore creativity, build skills, and discover new interests. Research shows that arts engagement improves academic performance, social skills, and mental health in young people.

Starshine also strengthens local communities by connecting young people with professional artists and by creating public moments—like end-of-summer showcases—where families and neighbors gather to celebrate student work. The program is part of a larger South Carolina Arts in Basic Curriculum initiative aimed at making sure arts education reaches all students, not just those in well-funded districts.

How Starshine fits into South Carolina's arts education landscape

Starshine is one piece of the South Carolina Arts in Basic Curriculum project, which works to integrate arts into K–12 education statewide. The ABC project also supports arts classes during the school year, professional development for teachers, and partnerships between schools and arts organizations. Starshine specifically addresses the summer gap, when students are out of school and many families struggle to find affordable, quality activities.

The program reflects South Carolina's commitment to arts education as a core part of learning, not an extra. By offering free summer arts instruction, Starshine ensures that a student's access to creative learning does not depend on family income or zip code. The program has operated for many years and continues to grow, adding new sites and art forms as funding and community partnerships allow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have art experience to join Starshine?

No. Starshine welcomes students of all experience levels, from those who have never taken an art class to those who already have strong skills. Teaching artists design sessions that work for mixed-ability groups, so beginners and experienced students can learn together.

What if there is no Starshine site in my county?

Sites vary by year and funding. Contact your local school district or the South Carolina Arts in Basic Curriculum project to ask about programs in neighboring counties or alternative summer arts opportunities in your area. Some districts run their own summer arts programs as well.

Can my child attend multiple sessions or art forms?

That depends on the site and the schedule. Some locations allow students to take more than one session or to switch between art forms if space is available. Check with your local site when you register to see what options exist.

Is transportation provided to Starshine sites?

Transportation varies by location. Some sites are held at schools or community centers that are easy to reach by bus or car; others may require families to arrange their own transportation. Ask about location and transportation when you contact the program.

What happens at the end-of-summer showcase?

Most Starshine sites hold a final event where students display artwork, perform pieces they have created, or read their writing aloud. Families and community members are invited to attend. It is a celebration of what students made and learned over the summer.