Mayor calls for arts commissioner nominations
Mon, 06/01/2026 - 2:59pm
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By:
STAFF REPORT
Mayor William Cogswell and the Charleston City Council are seeking nominations for three arts
organization representatives and two at-large members of the newly established Commission
on the Arts.
Deadline for nomination letters of no more than one page is June 5 and should be sent to
Rochelle Riley, director of Cultural Affairs, at rileyr@charleston-sc.gov.
Nominations are for: two City Councilmembers, one City employee, four at-large members
appointed after application, and 13 representatives of local arts organizations. Ten
organizations have been designated by ordinance:
● The Gaillard Center
● Charleston Symphony Orchestra
● The Gibbes Museum of Art
● Spoleto Festival USA
● MOJA Arts Festival
● Charleston Literary Festival
● Charleston Stage
● Footlight Players
● Charleston Jazz Festival
● The Charleston Library Society
Three organization seats remain open for qualifying arts organizations to apply.
The Mayor has already appointed two of the four at-large members:
● At-large member Cynthia Hayes, gallery owner in Charleston for 20 years and one of
the founding members of the French Quarter Gallery Association.
● At-large member Alice "Janet" Hopkins (artist and children's art teacher).
Purpose and Power – The Commission on the Arts shall serve as an advisory body to the
Mayor and City Council in all arts-related matters, including long-range planning, public art, and
City-sponsored cultural programs and events. The Commission shall promote close cooperation
between the City and all citizens, institutions, and agencies interested in or conducting activities
relating to the arts, so that Charleston's resources may be coordinated to maximize promotion
and support of the arts in the City.
Public Art – No painting, picture, sculpture, or other work of public art shall be permanently
displayed or erected on any public street or park unless it first has been approved by the
Commission, subject to final approval by City Council.
Provided by The City of Charleston