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Charleston's premier visual arts museum, this facility has been in constant operation for over 100 years. Its mission is clear: to offer thorough knowledge of the visual culture of Charleston, the Lowcountry, and the American South from the colonial era through today. Featuring a number of well known paintings and sculptures, the museum boasts a strong rotating permanent collection and also hosts several exhibitions throughout the year of both historical and modern artists. A player in Charleston society as well, the Gibbes entertains its citizens through a number of events and parties throughout the calendar year.

The mission of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra is to enrich the cultural life of South Carolina's Lowcountry with high-quality performances of symphonic and chamber music, and unique and engaging music education opportunities throughout the region.

"The Charleston Ballet Theatre is truly an integral part of Charleston's cultural life and we greatly value its professionalism, artistic integrity, and commitment to our community--sharing the art of dance with our school children, with dancers-in-training, and with local, regional and national audiences. " Joseph P. Riley, Mayor of Charleston

For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston, South Carolina’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with performances by renowned artists as well as emerging performers in opera, theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music. Now approaching its 36th season, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival.

Focusing primarily on artists of the Southeast region, Piccolo Spoleto is the perfect complement to the international scope of its parent festival and its 700 events in 17 days, transforms Charleston into an exhilarating celebration of performing, literary and visual arts. Piccolo Spoleto’s traditional program offerings include visual arts exhibits, classical music, jazz, dance, theatre, poetry readings, children’s activities, choral music, ethnic cultural presentations, crafts and film.

CHARLIE is an online magazine that recognizes the forward-thinking people and things that are shaping the future of Charleston; celebrating fashion, society, current issues, travel, food and wine, local people, places, art, design, literature and health & beauty, all bringing fresh and inventive perspective to the Lowcountry. CHARLIE explores what this city is really all about…not the past, but rather, the progressive culture that is Charleston’s future.