Ce Scott-Fitts - photo by Rick Fitts
In our continuing coverage of Columbia’s arts community and our responses to COVID-19 and the restrictions it compels, the Jasper Project is touching base with members of the community to see how they are faring. Today, we’re featuring not only an artist in her own right, but also an arts administrator with the South Carolina Arts Commission. Welcome Ce Scott-Fitts, SCAC program director for artist services!
JASPER: Your position at the SC Arts Commission is that of the Artist Services Program Director, and you’ve held this position since last August, is this correct? Isn’t this also a new position for the SCAC? Can you tell us more about why this position was created and what your responsibilities are?
SCOTT-FITTS: Yes, I have been Artist Services Program Director since August 2019, which was a newly created position. The job was created to provide support and assistance to individual artists of all disciplines for the entire State of SC. I am responsible for managing fellowships and grants, identifying opportunities, creating sustainability for artists and developing of new programs.
JASPER: What are some examples of the work you do, and when should an artist reach out to you for help?
SCOTT-FITTS: Some of the examples of my work at SCAC include researching funding and creating a discipline based list of resources, reviewing portfolios/work samples, advising and mentoring artists, teaching artists how to apply for grants/fellowship, connecting artists with venues or ways to show their work, helping artists develop a work plan. Artist can reach out to me if they need assistance with any of these or as they are trying to decide next steps in their career.
JASPER: You came to us from Charlotte. What position or positions did you have in Charlotte that inform your responsibilities at the SCAC?
SCOTT-FITTS: I worked at ArtsPlus (formerly Community School of the Arts) as their Education Director. I was founding staff of McColl Center for Art + Innovation. During my tenure there, I built the education program, curated exhibitions, managed and expanded the residency program and was the Center’s Chef. I taught at Central Piedmont Community College. I exhibited regionally and nationally at Galleries, non-profits and museums. Lastly, I have worked as an Arts Consultant with individuals, collectors and non-profits throughout the United States.
JASPER: You are a working artist yourself, is that correct? What is your medium? Have you continued to ply your trade since coming to SC?
SCOTT-FITTS: I began drawing and painting (portraits, figurative work) at age 6. After completing my undergraduate degree, I began to write poetry, work in mixed media, assemblage, installation and performance. Over the last 18 months, my work has changed significantly. Currently I am working on small mixed media/collage portraits.
Dahlia Dreams by Ce Scott-Fitts
Zakiya by Ce Scott-Fitts
JASPER: Where did you train and who were (are) your influences?
SCOTT-FITTS: I completed my undergraduate degree at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, Printmaking Major, French Minor. Many years later I was awarded a fellowship to attend Maryland Institute, College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland, where I received my MFA in Painting. Some of my influences have been Bettye Saar, Joyce Scott, Rei Kawakubo/Commes des Garçons, Robert Ferris Thompson, Jeannette Winterson Eva Hesse and Motown
Self by Ce Scott-Fitts
JASPER: You’ve been here for almost a year now, so, how’s it going? What is your take on the SC arts community at large? What do you see as our strengths and weaknesses? (These two questions apply to “normal life” not COVID-19 life.)
SCOTT-FITTS: Everything is going well in spite of the pandemic. I remain excited and happy to have the opportunity to live in Columbia, work with SCAC and South Carolina artists. One of our strengths is that we believe in the necessity of the arts and culture on quality of life. Our weaknesses are that we struggle to convey the ways art has value and are challenged when it comes to providing financial support to those individuals who make arts and culture possible.
JASPER: How can we take advantage of our strengths and work to mitigate our weaknesses?
SCOTT-FITTS: We can begin by purchasing work from artists and designers, establish affordable spaces, develop arts collectives, create alternative venues where artists can showcase performances, music and dance, and support experimental theater.
JASPER: And here we are more than four months into a pandemic that has severely curtailed opportunities for arts of all disciplines. Where is your head right now – what are you thinking or worrying about?
SCOTT-FITTS: First, I reject the idea of return to “normal” Some people may have forgotten that much of what we say we want to "get back to” was not working. Systems that had been in place for years were not designed to nurture and support many of the State’s citizens, particularly people of color, but specifically Black people. This includes the many ways art is fostered, accessed, experienced, validated and critiqued. Over the last four months, we have watched some of these systems end or close. I am hopeful that we can take this opportunity to build something that is inclusive and equitable.
JASPER: What are some examples of problem solving for artists during Corona times that you have seen implemented and are effective?
SCOTT-FITTS: Artists are developing new ways to collaborate and engage audiences. They are also incredibly generous with their time and share resources freely. Some artists are discovering alternative ways of showing and experiencing work virtually.
JASPER: What suggestions or advice do you have to offer artists of all disciplines as they push forward through these difficult times?
SCOTT-FITTS: Self-care must be addressed so that artists have the mental, physical and creative energy to continue to make work.
JASPER: What is the best way for artists to reach you?
SCOTT-FITTS: cscottfitts@arts.sc.gov.