Over the Mother’s Day weekend, the city of Greenville transformed its downtown into a vibrant hub of creativity, welcoming thousands of visitors to the annual Artisphere festival. Celebrating its 21st year, this fine arts festival generated an impressive $16 million in economic benefits for local businesses this year alone, drawing over 80,000 attendees eager to explore the diverse works showcased by 141 visual artists.
The festival, presented by Prisma Health, featured artists from various disciplines, including ceramicists, jewelers, and photographers, who displayed their creations along Artist Row. Collectively, these juried artists reported sales of $2.57 million from this year’s event, highlighting the festival’s significance in supporting the local art community.
According to Robin Stelling, director of community engagement at Prisma Health, “At Prisma, we are proud to support this incredible celebration of art, culture and community. The festival not only showcases extraordinary creative talent but also strengthens the heart of our region — while bringing people together in a vibrant, inspiring environment. Seeing the impact on artists, attendees and local businesses reaffirms our commitment to fostering both wellness and creativity in the communities we serve.”
Celebrating Arts and Community
Artisphere is not just about visual arts; it also embraces performing and culinary arts, offering a variety of entertainment options. This year’s festival featured performances across five stages, including the Broad Street Main Stage and the Aerial Arts Amphitheater. Attendees enjoyed a rich program that included theater, dance, and live music.
The festival also catered to families with activities designed for children, such as the popular Kidsphere. Returning attractions included the Culinary Arts Café, which highlighted local restaurants, while new exhibits like “Rules: A Community Mural” and a painting station for birdhouses added fresh elements to the event.
Furthermore, since its inception, Artisphere has invested over $1 million into the community, with this year’s reinvestment of $100,000 directed towards nonprofits, arts organizations, and local artists, further solidifying its role as a key player in Greenville’s cultural landscape.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The success of this year’s festival sets a promising precedent for future events. Artisphere is set to return to Greenville from May 8-10, 2026, continuing its tradition of celebrating art and culture while fostering economic growth in the area. For those interested in attending or learning more about the festival, tickets and additional information are available at artisphere.org.
As Greenville’s Artisphere continues to thrive, it remains a testament to the power of community, creativity, and economic vitality, drawing people together through shared experiences and artistic expression.