ST-ARTS Program Celebrates Over 30 Years of Inspiring Young Artists at Winthrop University
For more than three decades, the ST-ARTS program has been fostering artistic growth among middle school students in the Carolinas. Since its inception in 1989, Winthrop University has hosted over 9,000 students through this annual summer program, which connects aspiring artists with professional musicians, dancers, designers, and photographers. Now entering its 35th year, the program continues to provide an intensive and enriching experience for students with special talents in the arts.
A Creative Opportunity for Middle School Students
The ST-ARTS program, which stands for “Students with Special Talents in the Arts,” is open to middle schoolers (grades 6–8) from school districts in York, Lancaster, Chester, Clover, Fort Mill, and Rock Hill. Each summer, nearly 300 students gather on Winthrop’s campus to participate in classes in music, dance, drama, design, and photography. The program emphasizes artistic growth through hands-on learning and creative exploration, guided by a diverse faculty of over 50 professional artists, musicians, and teachers.
With the support of district scholarships, students are able to attend the program tuition-free, with financial aid covering costs. Non-district sponsored students can also apply and audition for a limited number of spaces, with tuition set at $740 for the full three weeks.
A History of Excellence in the Arts
ST-ARTS has built a reputation as one of the premier summer arts programs in the region. The curriculum is developed in alignment with the South Carolina Visual and Performing Arts Frameworks and is designed to guide students through the conceptualization and creation of their art. Many alumni of the program have gone on to study at prestigious institutions, including the Governor’s School of the Arts in Greenville, and have pursued careers in the arts.
The program’s faculty, which includes artists from the SC Arts Commission Artists Roster and Winthrop University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, is committed to providing high-quality instruction. Students spend each day immersed in their chosen discipline, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities at Winthrop and developing their skills under the mentorship of professionals.
How to Participate
Students interested in attending the ST-ARTS program must audition through their local school districts. Auditions for the 2024 program will begin in November, with district screenings for Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Clover, Chester, and York scheduled on different dates. District-sponsored students will be selected and notified between December and February, with registration taking place in March.
For non-district sponsored students, online audition submissions are available. One full scholarship per discipline is offered to these students, giving them the opportunity to attend the program tuition-free.
ST-ARTS General Timeline (2024)
- November: District audition screenings (dates vary by district)
- December – February: Districts select students for sponsorship
- March: Selected participants register with Winthrop
- April: Registration deadline for all participants
- June: Summer ST-ARTS program begins
For more information on how to audition or register for the 2024 ST-ARTS program, click here to visit the Winthrop University website or contact your local school district.
