our history

An Historical Overview

From their inaugural days in the 1950s, the pioneers of the Arts Council — which disbanded and eventually became Chapman — understood the enduring significance of nurturing the creative arts in a community. Those talented early visionaries threw their minds, hearts, and energies into establishing and maintaining arts exposure, education, and enrichment in the city of Spartanburg and beyond.

The Spartanburg Arts Council's first home was in a school-owned house on the campus of Converse College from 1970 to 1975. As the Arts Council's influence and interests grew, the leadership began seeking a larger location. In 1975, the organization moved into a portion of the former Southside Elementary School in Spartanburg. Eventually, the Arts Council occupied the entire 46,000-sq.-ft. complex. The Arts Council would remain there, garnering accolades and developing award-winning programs, for the next 32 years.

The idea for a new, state-of-the-art cultural facility in the greater Spartanburg area began in 1988 with conversations among passionate and influential community leaders. A Blue Ribbon Task Force worked diligently to develop a long-range plan for the arts in Spartanburg, recommending the reestablishment of The Arts Council, disbanded and newly formed The Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg in 1993, with Everett Powers as its first President. The dream began of a new, centrally-located facility that would co-locate the arts, science, and history.

From 2000 to 2007 a successful capital campaign raised $42 million for the construction of an 86,000-sq.-ft., three-building facility. In October 2007, Chapman Cultural Center opened at its current location, quickly becoming the community's premier venue for experiencing the performing and visual arts, science, and history.

Chapman brings the community together while providing every Spartanburg resident and visitor the opportunity of a first-rate, firsthand cultural experience.