COLUMBIA — Artists working in visual arts, craft, music performance and music composition may apply for a 2011-2012 Individual Artist Fellowship Award from the S.C. Arts Commission. Up to four fellowships of $5,000 will be awarded.

The deadline to apply is Oct. 1. Applications are available online at www.SouthCarolinaArts.com.

Past fellows agree that fellowships offer endorsement that may open doors to other resources and employment opportunities.

"The fellowship award gave me an opportunity to garner recognition in the Beaufort area that I would not have otherwise received,” said the 2009-10 craft fellow from Beaufort Kim Keats.

The Arts Commission's Individual Artist Fellowship Program encourages the pursuit of artistic excellence and provides financial support to South Carolina artists of merit.

Since 1976, the Arts Commission has awarded 200 fellowship awards to actors, craftsmen, poets, screenwriters, musicians and more in recognition of exemplary artistic talent. Fellowship awards have no restriction on use of funds.

The Individual Artist Fellowship Program is one of the agency's most competitive grant programs. Fellows are recommended by out-of-state review panelists, who make selections based solely on a review of work samples.

These recommendations are approved by the Arts Commission Board. For more information, call (803) 734-8696.