Arts

Tourism and the local arts community enjoy a close partnership. Visitors looking for an art-inspired experience are delighted to find a vast array of arts and culture amidst the Grand Strand, including:

• Brookgreen Gardens, the world’s largest outdoor sculpture garden
• Burroughs-Chapin Art Museum, filled with artistic treasures just feet from the serene shores of the Atlantic Ocean
• Long Bay Symphony, an extraordinary symphonic assembly that delights audiences throughout the year
• Theater of the Republic, a talented group of actors and actresses who perform well-known productions throughout the year

Tourists enjoy a wide variety of visual and performing arts, as well as numerous festivals and special events that play host to various artists. Local galleries offer unique art purchases and restaurants such as Collector’s Café infuse art into their dining experience.

Of course, the area is home to seven live performance theaters offering world-class entertainment throughout the year. In 1986, Calvin Gilmore opened The Carolina Opry, a live-entertainment show that gave visitors a unique entertainment alternative during the evenings. Today, Grand Strand visitors can choose from a variety of live theater shows and dinner shows as a part of their vacation experience. For more information on the local arts scene, visit ArtsAtTheBeach.com.

Local artists enjoy the opportunity to perform for tourists visiting the area. And, the arts community benefits through accommodations tax grants. These grants are funded with proceeds from taxes collected by hotels and vacation rentals.