Columbia, SC – The South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) has announced the Koger Center for the Arts as a recipient of the 2025 South Carolina Governor’s Awards for the Arts, the state’s highest recognition for outstanding contributions to the arts.
The Koger Center, honored in the Government category, is recognized for its commitment to supporting and presenting diverse artistic performances and fostering a vibrant cultural landscape in South Carolina.
2025 South Carolina Governor’s Awards for the Arts Recipients
-
Artist: Wade Sellers (Columbia)
-
Individual: Dr. Gail V. Barnes (Columbia)
-
Arts in Education: Engaging Creative Minds (Charleston)
-
Government: Koger Center for the Arts (Columbia)
-
Organization: Sumter County Gallery of Art (Sumter)
Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award
This year’s Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award is awarded posthumously to Caroleen Sanders for her contributions to Catawba pottery. A member of the Catawba Nation, Sanders resided on the Catawba Indian Reservation in Rock Hill and was a dedicated preserver of traditional pottery-making techniques.
Koger Center Director Nate Terracio expressed gratitude for the award:
“The Koger Center for the Arts is pleased to join the ranks of individuals and organizations that have received this prestigious honor. We are particularly moved to receive this award in the same year as Dr. Gail V. Barnes. This is an exceptional year for the USC School of Music as we celebrate our centennial.”
The Governor’s Awards for the Arts and the Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award are presented annually to artists, organizations, and advocates who have made a lasting impact on South Carolina’s cultural and artistic heritage.
