The Arts Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is funded in part by the Frederick S. Upton Foundation and the South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional funding provided by the City of Camden, Kershaw County, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina along with donations from businesses and individuals. Founded in 1974 by three independent groups (Camden Art Association, Camden Music Association, and the Camden Community Theatre), the Arts Center was intended to be the cultural focus of the county and to serve as the local arts agency and an umbrella organization for affiliate clubs. At the time, 5.19 acres of land and a historic home were donated to the cause and $80,000 was raised to restore and renovate that facility to serve as the headquarters for the Arts Center. In 1982-83, a $600,000.00 capital campaign was conducted and an additional facility including a theatre, dressing rooms, a gallery and office space was constructed on the site. In 1993, a capital campaign raised the endowment of the Arts Center from $500,000 to one million dollars. In 1997, funds were raised to renovate the auditorium, implement significant sound enhancements, upgrade and computerize the theatre lighting system and upgrade the computer and communications systems at the Arts Center. In 1983, when the new building was constructed, the staff increased to two. Today, there is three full-time staff, along with three part-time as well as several contracted staff during the year. Artists and teachers number 20-30 at any given time. Volunteers number in the hundreds. The Arts Center enjoys a close working relationship with the Kershaw County schools in fostering arts education throughout the county.
