Why we're here
Created in 1996, the mission of the Starkville Area Arts Council (SAAC) is to build a strong, creative, connected community through the arts. All of our work, from the Cotton District Arts Festival to after-school programs and outreach, is guided by two fundamental principles:
- Art education builds well-rounded, creative problem solvers.
- Cultural growth leads to economic impact: art is a workforce development tool.
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We're searching for our next Executive Director!
Our current ED, Juliette Reid has been serving with SAAC in various roles since 2019. Juliette and her fiance will be moving to Raleigh, North Carolina, in May. If it was up to her, she would remain with us but life happens.
As we prepare for this next transition, we're excited to welcome a passionateand energetic leader to keep the arts alive in Starkville and Oktibbeha County. To apply, please send a letter of interest and resume with at least three professional references (including names, position, email, and telephone numbers) to SAAC Search Committee at [email protected]. The full job description can be found at the link below. |
The Latest News!
AiPP Exhibit
The 2025 Spring Showcase is blooming in the gallery! On display until May 6, 2025.
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CDAF 2025 Sponsors & Volunteers
Needed Festival season is officially here, and we need your support! Explore our new sponsorship levels and volunteer opportunities at the link below.
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Bread Art Workshop
In our next workshop, we're turning bread into a canvas! Join us for Focaccia & Friends, a hands-on bread art workshop with Chef TJ Manna on April 5th from 5-7 PM at SAAC/Proof. Tickets and more info at the link below!
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AiPP - Call for Submissions
Our next AiPP Group Show is all about the beauty and simplicity of the square! Deadline: July 20 at MIDNIGHT. More info below.
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"Kitchen" A One Night Only Art Exhibit
"Kitchen" features 30 creative works from across the Golden Triangle Area. The one-night only art show will feature a live percussion band ensemble playing original compositions. March 29, 6-8 at SAAC/Proof.
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Summer Scholarships
If you know a young artist (ages 11-18) looking to develop their skills this summer, we are here to help with our Summer Scholarships. Deadline: April 6 at MIDNIGHT
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Just in case you missed it...
February RecapFebruary was another exciting month at SAAC! Here's a quick recap.
To kick things off, Brad James surprised us with the piece he worked on during our Ribbon Cutting with Proof Bakery back in September. Brad is so talented, and we're grateful to have him in our community. This piece will be a fantastic addition to the gallery once we frame it! The biggest highlight of this month was the Friends and Lovers Market. Finding an indoor location made things a little rocky due to the "weather," but the amazing team at Rick's swooped in to save the day! Having a market was well overdue, and while we wanted it to be outdoors, Rick's was the perfect alternative. Additionally, we finished planning for an upcoming workshop in collaboration with Proof—stay tuned for more details. We wrapped up the month by finalizing the t-shirt design for #CDAF2025 and getting everything organized for the Singer-Songwriter Competition Showcase. With that, we can officially say festival season is here—are you ready for April 19th? |
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