Housed within the School of the Arts at the College of Charleston, less than a block away from the busiest pedestrian intersection in the state, the Halsey Institute’s public facilities include two interlinked museum quality exhibition spaces totaling 3,200 square feet, the Joanna Foundation Video Cavern, a reference library, and archive. In our complex, we have proximate access to two theater spaces, a recital hall, lecture hall, and film screening facility that we use for a variety of presentations. Our host institution, the College of Charleston, offers extraordinary academic and administrative resources. We interweave the intellectual capital around us into the fabric of our ongoing programming, working with faculty and international colleagues as guest curators, consultants, or advisors on specific projects.

The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art recognizes and acknowledges that our museum spaces are on the lands of the Edisto Natchez-Kusso and Yamassee Indigenous communities. We have a responsibility to acknowledge that the College of Charleston and its buildings were built on Indigenous land with enslaved labor. These lands were the traditional territories of these Native Nations prior to their forced removal and continue to carry the stories of these Nations and their contemporary struggles for survival and identity. Today, this place is still home to many Indigenous people from across the world. It is our responsibility as College of Charleston community members and residents of the Charleston area to recognize the ever-present systemic inequities that stem directly from past wrongdoings and the ongoing process of colonization and commit ourselves indefinitely to respecting and reconciling this long history of injustice.

The Halsey Institute was originally named the Halsey Gallery for the artist William Halsey, an accomplished Charleston native whose modernist works were exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, to note a few. Halsey was the first individual to teach a studio art course at the College of Charleston beginning in 1964, and he continued to teach here for twenty years. Upon his retirement in 1984, the Studio Art faculty voted to name the art gallery after him to honor his contribution to the arts in Charleston. Mr. Halsey died in 1999. 

Halsey’s wife, Corrie McCallum was also an accomplished artist. In addition to her vast body of work, Corrie McCallum made significant contributions to the Charleston art community as an educator. She was the first artist to teach printmaking at the College of Charleston. Under her guidance, the Gibbes Museum of Art conducted the first comprehensive art appreciation program for Charleston County public school students. She held education positions at several institutions, including the Telfair Museum of Art in Savannah and the Gibbes Museum of Art, College of Charleston, and Newberry College in South Carolina. Throughout her life, she remained an outspoken advocate for the visual arts. She died in 2009.

Since 1984, the gallery bearing the Halsey name has presented hundreds of exhibitions by regional, national, and international artists. In 2005, the gallery changed its name to the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art to more accurately reflect the range of programming produced. Conceived as a non-collecting contemporary art facility, the Halsey Institute remains a vital cultural resource for the City of Charleston, the State of South Carolina and the region. The Halsey Institute hosts between five and seven exhibitions per year, highlighting adventurous contemporary art by emerging and mid-career artists of national stature. All exhibitions are accompanied by extensive educational programming. In addition, the Halsey Institute has maintained a strong international component over the years, bringing in artists from all over the world for residencies, lectures, and exhibitions. In 2012, the South Carolina Arts Commission presented the Halsey Institute the South Carolina Governor’s Award for the Arts with special recognition to the then director Mark Sloan. This is the highest honor the state gives in the arts. In 2018, Mayor John Tecklenburg declared March 14 as William Halsey and Corrie McCallum Day in Charleston. View the official proclamation here.

Dear Halsey Institute family,

Black Lives Matter. We write this letter because we believe that silence is violence. While the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and Ahmaud Arbery (to cite only the most recent public examples) are the impetus for recent protests and a larger spotlight on anti-Black violence, we must all acknowledge and work to dismantle the systemic racism at the core of our country’s institutions. We believe it is critical that we collectively and proactively facilitate difficult conversations that can help create action for a more equitable future.

While our heartache for the lives impacted by white supremacist systems reflects feelings rather than actions, we will continue to strive to be more proactive, inclusive, and reflexive. In addition to listening, learning, protesting, donating, and advocating as individuals, we are committing our organization to programming that will amplify conversations about systemic racism—and what we as a society can do to dismantle it.

In our new strategic plan, the College of Charleston collectively identifies and affirms our commitment to Core Values that include Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. While our organization has been making strides to ensure equity and inclusion, we are not moving fast enough. We will push harder for change within the Halsey Institute, as well as our institutional host, the College of Charleston. Our ongoing commitment to an anti-racist framework is not only the morally correct thing to do, but also means that the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art will be better fulfilling its mission.

 We will:

• Participate in the College of Charleston’s twice-monthly town halls with campus experts to address concerns, resources, and actions related to racial justice.
• Work with the College of Charleston Office of Institutional Diversity to assess our micro and macro spaces of privilege.
• Constantly evaluate our implicit biases in regards to our operations, exhibitions, and programs. 
• Use our programming calendar to highlight issues facing our country and our communities.
• Create more room in our budget for training around racial equity.

The Halsey Institute is proud to support the work of Black artists and scholars. This work has helped to build the Halsey Institute’s reputation, and we acknowledge how we have benefited from Black creativity. We know the path forward requires us to look inward and strategize ways to diversify our partners, contractors, board, and staff to better reflect the community we’ve built together. We believe that art is a powerful vehicle for social justice and change, and we will continue to listen, learn, grow, and act, as individuals and as an organization. Countless organizations, community leaders, and advocates have been sharing anti-racism resources. To aid in the sharing of those resources, please click here.

In all of this, the Halsey Institute staff remains committed to listening to our community. At the College of Charleston, the impartial channel for reporting discrimination and harassment is the Office of Equal Opportunity and Programs, which can be reached at (843) 953-5754 or eop@cofc.edu. We are committed to the work necessary and look forward to the day when we all share in an equitable world.

In sincere appreciation,

Halsey Institute staff

We originate between five and seven exhibitions per year, many of which travel nationally, and host a year-round schedule of lectures, panels, symposia, screenings, discussions, and special events. We also produce video documentaries about the artists and exhibitions that we originate. These videos provide keys to understanding the artist’s creative process and are permanently archived on our comprehensive website. We also produce award-winning publications for many of our exhibitions. These catalogues feature thoughtful commissioned essays that provide a meaningful context for the exhibitions and offer a permanent record of the artist’s project with the Halsey Institute. Our emphasis has long been on providing audiences with privileged access to the creative process itself. We enjoy sharing our belief that there is much that can be learned by seeing how an artist turns “a thought into a thing.” Charleston, South Carolina has a remarkable history as a port city and cultural crossroads. The Halsey Institute is committed to building on and exploring the complex and sometimes troubling history of this place through diverse exhibitions and an international artist-in-residence program. To find out our current and upcoming exhibitions, click here.

The Halsey Institute often partners with other departments on the College of Charleston campus, as well as with local businesses and organizations. These partnerships enrich our exhibitions and extend our footprint outside of the galleries. On campus, we have collaborated with the Addlestone Library, and the Avery Institute, as well as Art History, Arts Management, English, Geology, the Lowcountry Hall of Math and Science, Sociology, and Studio Art. Off campus, we have worked with the City of Charleston, Clemson University Architecture Center, Medical University of South Carolina, NASA, New Music Collective, Pure Theatre, Redux Contemporary Art Center, and the South Carolina Aquarium among others to produce special programs in conjunction with our exhibitions and events. 

Located on the first floor of The Marion and Wayland H. Cato Jr. Center for the Arts at the College of Charleston, the Halsey Institute occupies two interlinked gallery spaces, a dedicated media room, and a library/resource area.

The Halsey Institute has been supported by a variety of private and public funders over the years, including: Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Asian Cultural Council, Bishop Family Foundation, Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, Furthermore: a program of the J.M. Kaplan Fund, Graham Foundation, Harpo Foundation, Henry Luce Foundation, Henry and Sylvia Yaschik Foundation, Japan Foundation, Joanna Foundation, South Carolina Arts Commission, National Endowment for the Arts, and NASA.

We are particularly grateful to receive on-going support from the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation’s Lowcountry Artistic Vitality grants, and advertising support from the City of Charleston, Charleston County, and The Town of Mt. Pleasant.

In addition to grant funding and the funding from the College of Charleston, we sustain our dynamic programming with the encouragement and support of our Members and Community Partners–those who keep the mighty Halsey afloat. The cash and in-kind donations from these individuals, businesses, and organizations afford us the ability to maintain free programming for the community. Members and Community Partners enjoy a variety of stratified perks. Each year, we offer a new set of limited edition prints available exclusively to our Patron members. Artists who have been a part of the Halsey Institute’s programming have specially created these prints for us. Beginning at the Conceptualist level ($500), Members may choose from one of the prints we have available. To find out more about our Membership and Community Partners programs, click here.

Tours are led by experienced guides and can be adapted to follow specific content or course objectives as well as geared towards any age. Our discussion-based tours help students learn how to look closely, think critically, and engage with concepts and ideas related to art and their personal experiences. Through group conversations, students learn about the objects in the exhibition and also gain an understanding of the context for the work and related themes and ideas.

Due to the pandemic, we are offering virtual tour options and educational packets for our current and recent past exhibitions. Explore our educational packets here or reach out to us at HalseyTours@cofc.edu or calling (843) 953-5659. All groups and classes planning a trip to our galleries for self-guided tours MUST complete the Tour Reservation Request form.

Click here to learn more!

Each year, the Halsey Institute screens independent films often in conjunction with the exhibition on view. The films’ content varies greatly, but the events always have the same focus, to bring independent film and filmmakers to Charleston for stimulating conversation and to serve as a meeting place for community members, no matter their interests. Discover the value and magic of independent films! To learn more about our films, click here.

The Halsey Institute has a reference library that is open to the public for browsing. The space contains exhibition catalogues, art history books, artist monographs, rare books and books on uncommon topics. This is a non-lending library that offers a cornucopia of inspiration for those interested in visual culture. Click here to browse the catalog online.

The Art*O*Mat is a repurposed cigarette vending machine converted to sell art. The mission of Artists-in-Cellophane (A.I.C.), the sponsoring organization of Art*O*Mat ®, is to encourage art consumption by combining the worlds of art and commerce in an innovative form. With roughly 400 contributing artists from 10 different countries, A.I.C. has created an opportunity to purchase original artwork while providing exposure and promotional support for the artists. A.I.C.’s belief is that art should be progressive, yet personal and approachable. What better way to do this than with a heavy cold steel machine? Wouldn’t you like to see your own work in our machine?

Check out this great video on the Art*O*Mat by UNC TV here and visit artomat.org to learn more!

The Halsey Institute collaborates with artists to create meaningful exhibitions, installations, and public projects of all themes and media. We only have a few slots each year, and our staff is brimming with ideas for artists they’d like to work with. As a result, we are rarely able to accommodate unsolicited submissions for exhibitions, and we do not have an application process.

You are welcome to email your exhibition proposal to halsey@cofc.edu, however, we receive numerous artist submissions throughout the year, and it may not be possible to provide a response to all submissions. The Halsey Institute is not responsible for any physical materials mailed to our museum, and they will not be returned. We will be in touch if we have an opportunity for you.

No calls please.

HALSEY INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART

at the College of Charleston

Decorum Policy

MISSION:

The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston School of the Arts provides a multidisciplinary laboratory for the production, presentation, interpretation, and dissemination of ideas by innovative visual artists from around the world. As a non-collecting museum, we create meaningful interactions between adventurous artists and diverse communities within a context that emphasizes the historical, social, and cultural importance of the art of our time.

BASIC PRINCIPLES of DECORUM:

• The Halsey Institute endeavors to provide a safe and comfortable learning and entertaining environment for its students, staff, artists, and visitors.
• The Halsey Institute follows all city, county, state, and federal guidelines and laws. The Halsey Institute requires participating students, staff, artists, and visitors to do the same.
• The grounds and buildings at College of Charleston and the Halsey Institute are tobacco-free. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption, or using, possessing, or being under the influence of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited.
• Firearms and/or weapons of any kind are not allowed on the premises.
• In order to maximize the visitor experience, the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices should be kept to a minimum.

For Halsey Staff and Volunteers:  

• Observe the Halsey Institute’s Decorum Policy – BASIC PRINCIPLES
• Provide accurate and timely information, guidance, and direction to students, artists, and other visitors – particularly in cases requiring emergency responses and/or evacuation.
• Make active efforts to engage and work in partnership with existing audiences.
• Treat everyone with civility and honesty.
• Use exhibitions and programming for public benefit – for learning, inspiration, and entertainment.

For Students and Visitors:

• Observe the Halsey Institute’s Decorum Policy – BASIC PRINCIPLES
• Treat everyone with civility and honesty.
• Adhere to the instructions, guidance, and direction of the Halsey Institute representative (Board, staff, or volunteer) during any and all meetings, public or private.
• Follow the guidance and direction of the Halsey Institute representative(s) (Board, staff, or volunteers) – particularly in cases requiring emergency evacuation. 
• Take special precautions to not deface, damage, misuse, or steal property at the Halsey Institute, including but not limited to art, wall décor, books, and other materials.
• Comply with all city, county, state, and federal laws as well as applicable College policies, including its policy on the Prohibition of Discrimination and Harassment including Sexual Harassment and Abuse. 

For those in attendance at PUBLIC MEETINGS: e.g., events, presentations and occasions; i.e., artist talks, workshops, lectures, etc. when the public is invited to participate.

• Observe the Halsey Institute’s Decorum Policy – BASIC PRINCIPLES
• The moderator for PUBLIC MEETINGS will explain the ground rules for participation at the beginning of each session.
• These ground rules will include but are not limited to:
• Length of time of participation, generally a two-minute maximum unless otherwise stated,
• Manner of participation, generally a question or statement  addressing the stated topic and or the current exhibition unless otherwise stated and;
• Frequency of participation, generally once unless follow-up questions/comments require clarification as determined by the moderator.
• Avoid all disruptive behaviors.

Failure to comply with these guidelines may subject the patron(s) or visitor(s) to removal from the premises and/or suspension of facility visitation privileges. Continuous violations of this departmental policy will be reviewed by the Director of the Halsey or his/her designee for consideration of extended privilege restrictions with advice and consent from the Halsey Institute Advisory Board.

THE LANGUAGE USED IN THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT CREATE A CONTRACT BETWEEN PATRONS AND/OR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON. THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT CREATE ANY CONTRACTUAL RIGHT OR ENTITLEMENTS. THE HALSEY INSTITUTE AND/OR COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVISE THE CONTENTS OF THIS DEPARTMENTAL POLICY IN WHOLE OR IN PART, AT ANY TIME. NO PROMISES OR ASSURANCES, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, WHICH ARE CONTRARY TO OR INCONSISTENT WITH THE TERMS OF THIS PARAGRAPH, CREATE ANY CONTRACTUAL RIGHTS.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

The College of Charleston is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veterans’ status, genetic information, disability or other category protected by applicable law in its educational programs and activities, employment or admissions. The College of Charleston also prohibits retaliation against any person for bringing a complaint of discrimination or for participating in an investigation of a complaint of discrimination.

The Office of Equal Opportunity Programs maintains additional information and policies related to the prohibition of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct as well as access and equity at: http://eop.cofc.edu/index.php. Inquiries regarding the College of Charleston’s non-discrimination policies, complaints of discrimination or harassment, or assistance in obtaining reasonable accommodations because of disability or for medical needs arising from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions may be directed to the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs at: 66 George Street, Charleston, SC 29424, 843-953-5754, eop@cofc.edu.

Questions about Title IX may be directed to the College of Charleston’s Title IX Coordinator or the Deputy Title IX Coordinators in the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs at: 66 George Street, Charleston, SC 29424, 843-953-5754, eop@cofc.edu or to the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education.

Click here to view a PDF version of the Advisory Board-signed Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston’s Decorum Policy

We ask that users interacting with content on our social media channels treat each other with courtesy and respect at all times, particularly during disagreements.

We reserve the right to hide or delete any of the following types of content, and block users who share it:

• messages that are misleading or false; as a university-affiliated organization we do not support spreading misinformation.
• messages posted by anonymous or “bot” accounts.
• deliberate provocation of other community members in the form of intentional trolling, troll baiting, or flaming.
• racist, hateful, sexist, homophobic, slanderous, insulting, or life-threatening messages.
• messages that contain name-calling, personal attacks, or defamatory statements.
• serious, unproven, or inaccurate accusations against individuals or organizations.
• abusive, aggressive, coarse, explicit, vulgar, violent, obscene, or pornographic messages.
• messages that infringe on copyrights.
• messages for advertising purposes.
• messages that suggest or encourage illegal activity.

All comments are monitored and moderated by the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art staff.