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:
  1. Art education builds well-rounded, creative problem solvers.
  2. Cultural growth leads to economic impact: art is a workforce development tool. 
Annual Report FYE June 2020
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Meet Our New Executive Director: Charla Laney! 

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of our new Executive Director, Charla Laney! 

Originally from Saltillo, MS, Charla holds a bachelor's degree in Anthropology from Mississippi State University and is currently pursuing her MBA at MSU. She also serves as coordinator for the Starkville Community Market and previously served as an AmeriCorps VISTA with Starkville Habitat for Humanity, where she focused on building capacity for local housing initiatives. 

With a deep passion for the arts and community development, Charla is excited to lead us into our next chapter.

In her spare time, she enjoys going on walks, sewing, cooking, and spending time with her cat, named Chicken.

The Latest News!

AiPP Exhibit
Our latest AiPP exhibit is "Glib Glub"  by Joseph MacGown. Please join us for an opening reception on May 17 at SAAC (5:30-7 PM). Online exhibit coming soon! 
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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. ​

Just in case you missed it...

April Recap

This month was all about the festival, and oh what a success it was! The Cotton District was booming with talent, creativity, and community.

We also sold out all of this year's t-shirts, which has never happened before. Huge thanks to everyone who came by and grabbed one! And an extra special shoutout to Bryce Yzaguirre for creating such a striking design!
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May is already shaping up to be an exciting month full of change, so stick around for the big announcement!
109 W Main St 
Starkville, Mississippi 39759
[email protected]
662.268.6231
Hours: Tues - Fri 10am - 4pm
( remote Mon; closed Sat-Sun )
SAAC is sustained by donors and sponsors. Donations amounts are flexible and can be recurring. Learn more by clicking the button above.
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Our newsletter
Keep up with area arts news and events with our semi-monthly newsletter.
We need you - whether or not you're an artist! Our biggest 2 events (Art in the Park and Cotton District Arts Festival) require dozens of helping hands, so jump right in!
©2024 Starkville Area Arts Council. All Rights Reserved.
​#starkvillearts #starkvilleartscouncil #starkvilleareaartscouncil
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: SAAC is an equal opportunity organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, operation of programs, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for the public, all members of our staff, volunteers, vendors, and artist communities.