The Starkville Area Arts Council has reopened its grant pool, in response to the impact of COVID-19. In collaboration with the Del Rendon Foundation, Mississippi Presenter's Network, and other community partners and arts organizations, this endeavor will bring Starkville and other Mississippi communities free arts programming and educational opportunities through the #StayAtHomeFestMS!

#StayAtHomeFestMS is a series of online lessons, readings, demonstrations, and performances by creatives to provide art education and entertainment to our communities. Significantly, SAAC will offer small stipends for participating local artists who have lost work and are not currently receiving income or salary from an employer.

SAAC and DRF invite creatives (in the Golden Triangle Region) of any artistic discipline (visual, performance, writers, etc) to participate. The artist will propose any sort of artistic content (performances, readings, workshops, demonstrations, etc.) that shows their craft and/or serves artistic and/or educational purposes. If accepted, the artist will provide the content via prerecorded video or, if available, live stream. Stipends may be available for artists who have lost income and are not currently receiving salary or compensation from an employer, with priority given to Oktibbeha County-based artists.

"SAAC and DRF are joining Mississippi Presenter's Network and Yoknapatawpha Arts Council's efforts to support local talent," says SAAC E.D. John Bateman. "With various programs and projects canceled, SAAC's discretionary grant pool will otherwise go unused." Bateman elaborates, "Our Grant Committee agreed to reopen deadlines specifically to use remaining funds in a micro-WPA-type program to pay local artists while also promoting their visibility across the state. DRF has a tremendous history of promoting local music. The launch of Oxford's Stay At Home Fest created a perfect opportunity for all 3 organizations to join forces with the Mississippi Presenter's Network to cross-promote artists AND help provided needed resources."

Other arts organizations outside of Starkville who are interested in participating should contact the Mississippi Presenter's Network through their website.  

Artists may find more information on SAAC's website and may submit on the Grants page. Stipends will be allocated until funding runs out. However, all programming will continue as long as submissions are received. Schedule of programming AND published content will be available on the Stay at Home Fest MS Facebook page. If you wish to help SAAC and DRF provide stipends to artists, please contact E.D. John Bateman by email [email protected].

#starkvillearts #StayAtHomeFestMS #StayAtHomeFestStarkville #StarkvilleStrong #stayhome #COVID19 #flattenthecurve #presentmississippi #DelRendonFoundation