Spoleto Festival USA harnesses the power of performance to build community, foster belonging, and expand access to the arts. Through education initiatives, public programs, and community partnerships, Spoleto connects patrons, artists, students, educators, and local organizations—creating shared experiences that spark creativity and deepen cultural understanding.
In 2026:
Jazz Academy Students Learn from Pedrito Martinez
Young audience members learn about ocean conservancy efforts in a workshop following Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer
The Untold Story of Porgy and Bess and The Duchy – 2 new free performances to learn more about the process and impact behind the art.
PreK-12 Education Programs – Creating Future Artists
Lowcountry South Carolina Wolf Trap
Early Childhood Arts Integration
Lowcountry South Carolina Wolf Trap, Spoleto’s year-round early Childhood Arts Integration program is a regional affiliate of the national Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts.Launched in November 2024 as part of the Arts Grow SC Partnership for the South Carolina Arts Commission, the program served more than 200 students and 18 teachers in its inaugural year.
Through customized classroom residencies, certified teaching artists collaborate with educators to weave music, movement, and drama into daily lessons—enhancing children’s learning while empowering teachers with creative strategies. Outside of the classroom, our teaching artists are trained to lead educators in professional development sessions and community groups in family engagement workshops.
Interested in Wolf Trap services? Email [email protected]
This project is funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Artists in Schools
Classical music brought to your classroom.
Each year, Spoleto’s world-class chamber musicians bring their artistry to local schools for interactive workshops in music and creativity. In 2025, artists including Paul Wiancko, Ayane Kozasa, Alexi Kenney, and Gabriel Cabezas engaged more than 475 students across Charleston-area schools.
Students explored musical storytelling, improvisation, and collaboration—sometimes even inspiring real-time compositions based on their own ideas.
Chamber Music Field Trip Show
Visit the historic Dock Street Theatre
In a very special performance before the opening of the Festival, students are invited to see a preview of the repertoire that makes our Chamber Music artists some of the best in the world. The performance pieces are interwoven with lessons on the instruments playing and the meaning behind the compositions. This special field trip show gives students a taste of the true Spoleto experience, listening to beautiful music from a seat in the Dock Street.
“The musicians were highly engaging and brought music to life for our students.”
— Britney Smith, Hursey Montessori Teacher
Education Partnerships
Jazz Academy Masterclass
Performing with the professionals.
In collaboration with the Charleston Jazz Academy, Spoleto presents free masterclasses led by Festival jazz artists.
In 2025, Etienne Charles guided participants through Afro-Caribbean rhythms and improvisation, while Vijay Iyer explored collective listening and emotional connection in performance. These sessions bring students and local musicians together to celebrate the dynamic tradition of jazz.
College of Charleston Maymester
Behind the scenes of a world-class festival.
In partnership with the College of Charleston, Spoleto offers an immersive Maymester course centered around the 17-day Festival. Students attend performances, write critical reflections, and participate in guest lectures and behind-the-scenes sessions with Festival leadership and artists.
Public Programs
Creative Placemaking: Tell Your Story
Charleston voices, preserved in sound.
Created by pianist and music therapist Renate Rohlfing, Tell Your Story pairs emerging composers with Charleston community members to transform their lived experiences into musical “sonic memoirs.”
Our 2026 program will include performances from four artists based on their resident narrators from our partner organizations – We Are Family, Charleston Jewish Federation, and Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach,
Click here to read more about the program and reserve your seat for this year’s performance.
“Tell Your Story opened my eyes to the lives of native Charlestonians and the responsibility composers have to highlight what’s important to us.”
— Emily Richardson, 2025 Fellow
Free Performances and Discussions – Hear Directly from the Artists
Every year Spoleto produces free programs to help our community dive deeper into the artists’ stories and see a glimpse behind the curtain to better understand the true process behind the art that leaves behind a lasting impact Join us this year for the following programs.
The Untold Story of Porgy and Bess
Jazz Talks with Mali Obomsawin and Jason Moran
Conversations with Circa, Tim Myers, and Patrick Page
Spoleto Festival USA’s 2026 Education and Community Engagement programs are made possible with major lead support from Suzan D. Boyd and M. Edward Sellers. Additional generous support is provided by Bank of America, Carol H. Fishman, and the South Carolina Arts Commission. Support is also provided by Ted and Susan Soderlund and the Henry & Sylvia Yaschik Foundation.
