ST-ARTS
Program
Special Talent in the ARTS
Winthrop University, Rock Hill SC
ST-ARTS 2024
June 10 - 28, 2024
Online submissions for non-sponsored participation will be available starting February 2024. Please check back to this site for further information and instructions in January 2024. Thank you.
The Program
ST-ARTS is a program sponsored by the Winthrop University College of Visual and Performing Arts. They work in collaboration with participating districts from York and Lancaster counties to serve over 300 gifted and talented students in the arts grades 6 - 8 (rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders during the June program). Students convene on the Winthrop campus for its annual program.
A professional faculty of over 45 artists and teachers in the four visual and performing arts (dance, music, drama, and visual arts) is drawn from a pool of nationally known performing artists, the SC Arts Commission Artists Roster, master teachers from public and private schools, and the Winthrop University faculty. This diverse faculty directs the students through a multi-faceted curriculum each weekday during the 3 week program.
The Opportunities
Students spend the day in a variety of instructional opportunities in their chosen arts area and take full advantage of the facilities on the Winthrop campus. The emphasis of the program is to guide the students through the process of conceptualizing and creating art. Curriculum is designed and evaluated in accordance with the South Carolina Visual and Performing Arts Frameworks. The program concept and curricular design have been cited by the State Department of Education as a model of how an institution of higher learning and a consortium of public schools can work in a cooperative venture to provide a comprehensive fine arts program for talented arts students within the local school districts.
Since its inception in 1989, the summer ST-ARTS Program has served over 5,000 middle school students. Many of our graduates have been selected to attend the Governor's School of the Arts in Greenville, and have gone on to continue their studies at major universities throughout the region.
Participation
Our students are currently selected and sponsored by participating school districts of York and Chester counties. Since the inception of our summer program in 1989, our districts have completely subsidised tuition for their students.
Winthrop ST-Arts program does not provide transportation. Some participating districts do provide busing.
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ST-Arts has expanded the program to include students that are not affiliated with public school districts of York and Chester counties. Please look through our website pages for information on our expansion for 2022.
ST-ARTs general timeline
(subject to change)
November
auditions/screenings for district sponsorship
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December - January
* districts select students for sponsorship
* selected participants register with Winthrop
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February
online audition submissions for non-district sponsorship
March
registration deadline for participants
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June
Summer ST-ARTS program