UNITED RUNWAY: THE ART OF IMPACT
As access to visual and performing arts education declines across the country, the United Way of Anderson County is investing in artists' future. While our schools work tirelessly to support our students, the need for arts access continues to grow. Programs that nurture creativity and cultural connection are vital, providing a bridge for youth to find their voice and their community.
United Runway: The Art of Impact exists to strengthen that bridge.
We believe the arts are essential—helping young people build confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging.
This event will raise funds that support students and educators throughout Anderson County by:
- Providing scholarships for youth arts programs and camps
- Supplying teachers with essential classroom materials
- Expanding access to visual and performing arts opportunities
- Removing financial barriers to participation
Every ticket, sponsorship, and donation helps ensure more young people can create, grow, and thrive. When we invest in youth in the arts, we help build a legacy for generations to come.
THE EVENT
In April of 2027, the United Way of Anderson County will host an Wearable Art runway show. It won't be your typical fashion show; it will feature unique designs made from unconventional materials. Our event will be at the Anderson Art Center and will feature artists from around the country. This event is perfect for artists, fashionistas, creatives, and people who want to make a difference in their community. The grand prize for our show will be $1,000!
ARTIST INFORMATION
Applications will open on May 21, 2026. We invite you to be a part of the United Way of Anderson United Runway 2027 by submitting your entry. The designer application gives you the opportunity to showcase your unique vision and creativity.
Selected designers will have the opportunity to showcase their unique vision and creativity on a platform built to celebrate talent and contribute to the United Way fundraising efforts geared towards youth opportunity in the visual and performing arts. Designs that have been previously shown in Anderson, SC are not permitted. Designers can submit multiple designs, but the form must be submitted multiple times.
Application deadline is Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Your entry will be assessed by an independent selection panel. Should your entry be successful, your final design will be reviewed by the United Runway judging panel at the event. Monetary prizes will be presented to the top 3 designs selected by the panel.
Best Overall Design: $1,000
2nd Place: $500
3rd Place: $250
Additionally, an award will be given to the People’s Choice selection.
Impact: Something that has that striking point of difference—a wow factor. This might come in the form of an exaggerated structural feature, a striking color, eye-catching movement, a stunning silhouette, and/or a stunning material(s).
Skill and execution: The judges will be looking at overall design execution and whether it meets the design criteria of the elements of design used in fashion; shape or form, structure, color, and texture. Has the work been made with attention to detail in its construction and detail.
Material and construction techniques: Uniqueness, imagination, and use of material choice. Judges will be looking at how materials were manipulated, joined, and reinvented.
Design balance: This looks at the balance of the overall design and how it fits together as a connected and coordinated look, taking the shape or silhouette, line, color, and texture into consideration.
Imagination and creativity: This is “thinking outside the box” component--how well the design was translated from concept to catwalk.
Headpiece and accessories: Remember to consider the whole piece from head to toe. It is important that the headpiece and the accessories are delivered as a connected and balanced design with the main body of the design.
We will be offering workshops leading up to the event for local artists who may need assistance with their piece. They will be hosted in the Maker's Space at the Anderson County Library.
The tentative times for the workshops are below:
July 23, 2026 5:30 pm
August 20, 2026 5:30 pm
September 24, 2026 5:30 pm
December 17, 2026 5:30 pm