ST-ARTS Program Celebrates 35 Years of Inspiring Young Artists in the Carolinas
Rock Hill, SC – For those who have a passion for the arts, the summer months are gearing up to be more exciting than ever! The ST-ARTS program at Winthrop University is entering its 35th year, and it’s ready to welcome middle school students from the Carolinas to a summer filled with creativity and artistic growth. Since it first launched in 1989, this annual program has been a haven for young talents, allowing them to connect with professional artists, musicians, dancers, designers, and photographers.
What is the ST-ARTS Program?
ST-ARTS stands for “Students with Special Talents in the Arts”, and it specifically caters to middle school students in grades 6 through 8. Each summer, nearly 300 eager participants from local school districts, including York, Lancaster, Chester, Clover, Fort Mill, and Rock Hill, come together on Winthrop’s picturesque campus. Here, they immerse themselves in a dynamic environment packed with classes dedicated to music, dance, drama, design, and photography.
A Unique Learning Experience
The program prides itself on a hands-on learning approach, encouraging students to explore their creative sides under the mentorship of over 50 talented professionals. These faculty members are not just teachers; they are experienced artists from the South Carolina Arts Commission Artists Roster and Winthrop University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, committed to providing high-quality instruction.
Students dive into their chosen disciplines each day, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities at Winthrop. The curriculum is thoughtfully aligned with the South Carolina Visual and Performing Arts Frameworks, ensuring that students not only learn but thrive creatively. Many ST-ARTS alumni have taken their skills to the next level, studying at prestigious institutions like the Governor’s School of the Arts in Greenville and pursuing successful careers in various artistic fields.
How to Participate
Interested students must audition to secure a spot in the ST-ARTS program. Auditions for the upcoming 2024 session will commence in November, with different districts holding screenings in the months that follow. Students from Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Clover, Chester, and York will have the opportunity to showcase their talents on various dates, and those selected will be notified between December and February, with registration set for March.
For those outside the district sponsorship, there are still opportunities to participate. Non-district students can also apply by submitting an online audition, with the program offering one full scholarship per discipline to make attendance tuition-free for deserving candidates.
A Commitment to Accessibility
Thanks to district scholarships, many students can attend the ST-ARTS program at no cost, alleviating financial barriers. For non-sponsored students, the tuition for the full three-week experience is priced at $740, an investment for families aiming to inspire their young artists.
Join the Celebration!
The ST-ARTS program has built a stellar reputation over the years, making it one of the premier summer arts programs in the region. If you know a middle schooler with a passion for the arts, don’t miss this chance to let them discover their creative potential and connect with like-minded peers! For further details about the audition process, registration, and guidelines, students and their families can visit the official Winthrop University website or reach out through their local school district.
As we prepare to celebrate this milestone anniversary, the excitement is palpable! ST-ARTS is all set to continue its legacy of nurturing young talent, and we can’t wait to see what amazing creations will come out of this summer’s program!
