The annual Artisphere festival in Greenville, held over Mother’s Day weekend, attracted over 80,000 attendees, generating an impressive economic impact of approximately $16 million for local businesses. Celebrating its 21st edition, this fine arts festival, presented by Prisma Health, transformed downtown Greenville into a vibrant hub for artists and art enthusiasts alike.
The festival featured the work of 141 visual artists across 18 different mediums, including ceramics, jewelry, and photography. Artists reported total sales of $2.57 million during the event, highlighting the significant financial benefits of the festival to the local creative community. Since its inception, Artisphere has contributed a cumulative $1 million in community investments, with this year’s festival contributing $100,000 to various nonprofits, arts organizations, and local artists.
Robin Stelling, director of community engagement at Prisma Health, stated, “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.”
Art, Music, and Culinary Delights
Beyond the visual arts, Artisphere also celebrated performing and culinary arts, featuring theater, dance, and live music across five stages, including the Broad Street Main Stage and the Aerial Arts Amphitheater. The festival’s diverse programming included numerous performances and hands-on exhibits.
The Culinary Arts Café, which spotlighted local restaurants, and Kidsphere, a family-focused area, made a welcome return this year. New additions, such as “Rules: A Community Mural” and a birdhouse painting station, further enriched the festival experience.
Artisphere has firmly established itself as a key event in Greenville’s cultural calendar. The festival will return next year, scheduled for May 8-10, 2026. For further details or to purchase tickets, interested parties can visit the official website at artisphere.org.
