Host City Details
2026 ART Conference Sponsors
Charleston
South Carolina
Long celebrated for its preservation spirit, Charleston has evolved into a vibrant cultural and design mecca where centuries of craftsmanship meet forward-thinking artistic dialogue. From the French Quarter’s bustling gallery district to world-class institutions like the Gibbes Museum of Art, the city seamlessly pairs rich history with contemporary creativity.
As the host city for the 2027 ART Conference, Charleston serves as an extended classroom, where walkable streetscapes, garden courtyards, and legendary Lowcountry hospitality set the stage for inspiring educational sessions, networking, and fresh creative connection.
The Highlights
Fun Facts
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America's First Public Museum: Founded in 1773, the Charleston Museum is recognized as America’s very first museum, holding art, artifacts, and natural history specimens predating the American Revolution.
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The "Holy City" Skyline: Known as the Holy City due to its historical religious tolerance and abundance of church steeples, a local ordinance strictly limits building heights so that steeples remain the dominant feature of the skyline.
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Birthplace of the Charleston Dance: The iconic 1920s dance step was created right here, inspired by African American rhythms from the offshore barrier islands and popularized globally by the 1923 Broadway show Runnin' Wild.
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Home of the Pineapple Symbol: Throughout the city, pineapples appear on gates, fountains, and doorways as the traditional Lowcountry emblem of warm hospitality and welcome.
Cool Sites
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Rainbow Row & The Battery: A famous stretch of 13 pastel-colored Georgian row houses located along the waterfront, perfect for photo walks, historic architecture viewing, and harbor breezes.
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Historic Charleston City Market: Spanning four city blocks, this vibrant open-air market features local artisans, sweetgrass basket weavers, regional spices, and Lowcountry crafts.
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International African American Museum (IAAM): Located at Gadsden’s Wharf, this landmark museum offers powerful, immersive exhibits detailing the history, culture, and global impact of the African diaspora.
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Joe Riley Waterfront Park: Famous for its iconic Pineapple Fountain, this lush park along the Cooper River provides wide boardwalk views of passing ships and harbor islands.
Great Retail
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Michael Mitchell: Modern contemporary art, custom high-end furniture lines, and works from over 30 nationally recognized artists.
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Megan Molten Interiors & Shop: A design studio and retail destination built around a modern coastal aesthetic.
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Fritz Porter Design Collective (Cigar Factory): Boutique furniture lines, artisanal wallcoverings, performance textiles, and fine art under one roof.
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South of Market (SOMK): This store specializes in French and European architectural antiques.
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The Urban Electric Co.: This benchmade lighting company designs and hand-crafts custom interior and exterior fixtures coveted by elite interior designers globally.
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Croghan’s Jewel Box: Beyond fine jewelry, find heirloom decorative accents.
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John Pope Antiques: Known for rare 18th and 19th-century decor.
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GDC Home & Celadon: High-concept trade resources providing upholstery, rugs, pottery, and wood furnishings.