North Charleston Arts Festival returns after COVID-19

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - After being forced to cancel last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the North Charleston Arts Festival is set to kick off with several changes.

The official kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday with an opening ceremony at the Charleston Area Convention Center.

Large events like the World Art Festival and Children’s Festival are not on the lineup this year, but smaller events including concerts, workshops and exhibitions will still take place in various locations around town.

Despite the pandemic, there will be some new events this year, including a dance showcase on Saturday. Additionally organizers say a number of virtual events are scheduled with several even aimed at kids.

Masks and social distancing will be required throughout the five-day festival. While things will look different than years past, organizers hope the changes will make people feel safe and willing to come out and enjoy the art.

“We do have sort of reduced capacity in some of the things we’re doing. Some of our larger events we’ll hold off and possibly bring back next year, but it did give us a great opportunity to do lots of smaller things and lots of great distant exhibitions that folks can come and view art with plenty of space to feel safe,” North Charleston Cultural Arts Department Director Kyle Lahm said.

While the festival runs through Sunday, some of the art on display will be visible even after the event. A number of pieces will stay hung on the walls at City Hall, and 13 outdoor sculptures at Riverfront Park will remain until March 2022 as part of the National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition.

A full list of events can be found on the art festival’s website.

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