Muses & Music
Spring 2026 | Charleston, SC
A fine-art residency co-created with Charleston’s creative community.
Step inside Charleston’s first couture-grade artist residency where muses come to life. Five days of immersive creation, nine bespoke sets, and one exhibition gala that brings the city together. Muses & Music unites galleries, institutions, businesses, and patrons to create an unforgettable cultural moment—and uplift Charleston's artists, students, and creative community.
A fine-art residency co-created with Charleston’s creative community.
Step inside Charleston’s first couture-grade artist residency where muses come to life. Five days of immersive creation, nine bespoke sets built by local collaborators, and one exhibition gala that brings Charleston together. In partnership with Charleston galleries, Muses & Music unites institutions, businesses, and patrons to create an unforgettable cultural moment—and to invest in the city’s artists and students.
Why this matters
Art moves culture—especially when artists have room to take risks.
Built with our local community, this residency creates that room. Artists work from life inside charged moments—music, light, scent, movement. No clients, no briefs—only vision. When work comes straight from the soul, it moves a city.
We film the making, then bring our community together to experience the work and its story, crediting every local maker who helped bring it to life. The impact is civic and lasting: artists are seen, local businesses are showcased, and students see what’s possible here at home.
Three weeks after the residency’s close, an intimate evening unfolds in Charleston’s historic district.
From the first aperitif to the final toast, the night is carefully staged as both living salon and immersive exhibition. Residency sets are rebuilt; the muses return. Framed works and cinematic reels transform the space into a breathing exhibition, as music, film, and conversation turn process into performance. Guests don’t just see the work—they step inside its story. Room to room, the narrative comes full circle—a celebration of the city that shaped them.
THE EXHIBITION GALA
You belong here.
Partner with us to co-host the residency and exhibition. Help shape the event, nominate artists, and join in all festivities. You’ll be credited across the films, program book, signage, and the project archive.
ART INSTITUTIONS & GALLERIES
Align your company with a citywide cultural moment. Underwrite part of the residency or exhibition—via cash support or in-kind contributions (venue, lighting, florals, catering, fragrance, transport). Recognition is tailored to your brand.
BUSINESSES & BRANDS
Bring the worlds to life on set. Designers, builders, florists, prop and print studios collaborate with our team; every contributor receives premium credit across films, program, and archive, with professional assets approved for portfolio use.
LOCAL ARTISANS
Inspire your most gifted students. Nominate one exceptional high-school artist to observe a residency set, join the celebration finale dinner, and access post-event learning materials. Participation is underwritten by patrons and sponsors.
SCHOOLS
Your patronage powers the work. Make a gift, host a table, or sponsor the residency and black-tie salon. Recognition is bespoke—from discreet acknowledgment to marquee placement. Charitable gifts are processed by our 501(c)(3) partner.
PHILANTHROPISTS & PATRONS
Charleston builds the stage.
Artists tell the story.
Our storyline: The Nine Muses of Greek Mythology, reimagined for today. The visuals below are the actual set designs we’ll bring to life—built with Charleston makers and painted from life.
FAQs
Our fine art residencies are by invitation only. Artists are selected in collaboration with local art institutions partners and advisors.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ARTWORK CREATED?
Works debut at the exhibition; acquisitions route through each artist’s gallery under standard terms. Self-represented artists transact directly.
CAN I ATTEND IF I'M NOT AN INVITED ARTIST?
The residency is closed. A limited number of sponsors, patrons, and students will be invited to silently observe residency sets. The exhibition and cultural salon are open to patrons and partners (ticketed).
IS CINÉ A NONPROFIT?
CINÉ is a for-profit studio that produces philanthropic residencies in partnership with a 501(c)(3) charity. The nonprofit receives and stewards restricted gifts for the program, manages compliance, and issues tax receipts; CINÉ designs and produces the residency. CINÉ's commercial studio is available for commissions.
Yes. Sponsor contributions are processed through our 501(c)(3) partner and are deductible to the extent allowed by law; your receipt will note any benefits and their fair-market value (FMV). Please consult your tax advisor for guidance specific to you.
HOW DO SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS AFFECT DEDUCTIBILITY?
Sponsorships are bespoke: acknowledgment-only (name/logo) is generally fully charitable; adding benefits (e.g., a gala table or residency access) makes the gift partially deductible (contribution minus FMV); adding advertising beyond acknowledgment is typically a business/marketing expense.
CAN I SUPPORT IN-KIND INSTEAD OF A CASH DONATION OR SPONSORSHIP?
Absolutely. In-kind support (venues, lighting, florals, catering, fragrance, transport, printing, etc.) is welcome and receives premium recognition commensurate with support. Our 501(c)(3) partner will issue a written acknowledgment; please consult your tax advisor regarding deductibility.
HOW IS RECOGNITION HANDLED?
Event sponsors: Recognition is customized to your preferences and comfort level, from discreet acknowledgment to marquee placement.
Residency collaborators: You receive credits on site, in the program book, on wall labels and gala signage, and on the films and archive—proportional to support level or fair-market value. You will be invited for a brief on-camera conversation about your work; select moments will appear in the final documentary series.
Black-tie, museum-grade—and unmistakably fun. Three weeks post-residency, the sets return as immersive rooms with live music, artist moments, and film premieres. Then we turn it up: the salon becomes a party and the dance floor comes alive. Bring your tux—and your dancing shoes.
IS MY DONATION TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?
Yes. Contributions are processed through our 501(c)(3) partner and are deductible to the extent allowed by law. You’ll receive a receipt showing any benefits and their fair-market value (FMV). Cash gifts & grants (no benefits) are generally eligible for a full charitable deduction, subject to IRS percentage limits. Please consult your tax advisor for guidance specific to you.
ARE GALA TICKETS OR TABLES TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?
Gala tickets and tables are deductible above the fair market value of any benefits received (e.g., food, beverage, entertainment). FMV will be stated on your receipt. Please consult your tax advisor for guidance specific to you.
WHAT IS THE GALA FORMAT?
Black-tie exhibition and cultural salon, three weeks after the residency's close.
We invite a limited number of exceptionally gifted student observers from Charleston-area high schools to inspire the next generation of local talent and show students what's possible here at home. Students attend one closed residency set with a parent or school administrator. Students are also invited to the residency celebration dinner on Thursday night after the residency's close, where they'll network with each other, residency artists, gallery/institutional partner leadership, and press.
HOW ARE STUDENTS NOMINATED?
Local high schools are able to nominate one exceptionally gifted high school student per school. Final selections are made by our advisory circle and gallery partners. Nine students will be selected.
IS THERE A COST TO PARTICIPATE?
No. Student access is underwritten by patrons and sponsors.
WHO DO WE CONTACT?
hello@cinecreativehouse.com
© 2025 CINÉ Creative House. Muses & Music™ and all related production designs, text, and films are protected by copyright and other IP laws. All rights reserved.
