Artisphere chooses lineup for 20th Greenville festival

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The art festival that attracts thousands to Greenville announced its 20^th anniversary lineup.

Artisphere presented by TD Bank will be held May 10-12.

This year’s festival will feature 140 visual artists on GE Artist Row. Of these, 17 are local artists, 20 are South Carolina artists, and 30 are new to the festival, said Kelley Barnhardt, Artisphere communications strategist. Through 17 different mediums, artists are coming from 31 different states.

Last year 92,500 people attended Artisphere. The even say $13,712 in average artist sales, a $12.14 million total economic impact, and $93,130 given back to the community by the way of scholarships, stipends and awards, Barnhardt said.

Founded in 2003 by a coalition of arts, business and civic leaders with a mission to create a nationally recognized fine arts festival that enhances quality of life and the economic vitality of South Carolina, there is a reason that Artisphere regularly serves as the centerpiece of visits from companies considering relocation and peer cities eager to learn from Greenville’s success, she added.

“Artisphere encapsulates Greenville’s collaborative and creative spirit,” said Barnhardt. “Year after year, the festival showcases more than 140 local and internationally known artists, leverages investments from corporate sponsors, private donors and public agencies, and recruits more than 600 volunteers to make the festival possible.”

At Artisphere, festivalgoers can find hands-on art activities for children and adults, live music and dance performances, and culinary experiences provided by local restaurants.

“As a free event that offers multi-disciplinary arts programming, Artisphere engages, inspires, and enriches our diverse community by celebrating the arts,” said Barnhardt. “It is an ideal introduction to Greenville for tourists who are looking for an affordable, family friendly weekend getaway.”

For the full listing of visual artists, musicians and culinary artists, head to artisphere.org.