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Led by South Carolina natives Javon Johnson (Anderson, SC), Smitha Lee (Spartanburg, SC), and JaVarius Conway (Greenville, SC). BFC celebrates creative diversity, supports inclusivity, helps artists bring life to their work and launch their lives as professionals in the entertainment industry.

The school’s start-up is happening at a pivotal time for the arts. Even as the global pandemic has shut down Broadway and curtailed live performances, it is essential that we find ways to promote growth in the arts sector, which is a key national economic driver. According to a March 2019 report released jointly by the U.S. Commerce Department and the National Endowment of the Arts, the arts sector contributed more than $800 billion to the nation’s economy in 2016, with performing arts companies, presenters, and independent performers and writers contributing nearly $60 billion of that figure. In South Carolina, the arts added an impressive $9.7 billion to the state’s economy, according to a February 2018 report issued by the South Carolina Arts Commission.

Bear Fruit Conservatory’s founders see opportunity, both in upstate South Carolina and across the Southeast U.S., for developing the knowledge, skills, and networks of promising artists. In turn, the education and career development we provide will benefit not only the arts in America generally, but also South Carolina and the Southeast U.S. specifically. As our students embark on successful careers and Bear Fruit Conservatory expands its influence, there will be multi-faceted benefits – creatively and financially – for the communities and regions connected to our school