Each year, the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) and Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) offer grants that strengthen our state's arts and culture economy. MAC provides critical general operating funds, while MDA provides Visit Mississippi grants to promote tourism-oriented events like Cotton District Arts Festival and Forks & Corks. Thank you for your support of these two agencies. In addition, critical state and federal stimulus funds in 2020 and 2021 helped keep the lights on. As a steward of charitable resources invested in our communities, I'm writing on behalf of SAAC to share highlights and input with the hopes that it will further assist your work.
 
Here is a snapshot of how funds given to SAAC impacted Oktibbeha County. One-third of our community lives in poverty, which means access is vital. Although falling under various programs, collectively, in 2021, we:

• Hosted the annual Cotton District Arts Festival after a two-year hiatus
• Provided continuous arts programming at three after-school programs for low-income youth
• Finished development of the Arts & Eats Cookbook, a celebration of our 25th Anniversary and the arts and culture in Starkville
• Collaborated with Mississippi Presenter's Network and YAC (Oxford) to offer free virtual business workshops for creatives (statewide)
• Hosted six virtual/in-person art exhibits
• Created two major public artworks, providing activities for volunteers, creating collaborations with Mississippi State University, and drawing attention to Oktibbeha County's many creative assets.

Although financial support in itself is tremendous, the impact that this support provides must be addressed in order to sustain and secure the future of our state's cultural assets. These issues are briefly outlined below, which we hope helps you in your work.
 
1. Additional funding for essential organizations like the Mississippi Arts Commission means that they are able to award larger grants to keep arts programs going for the average Mississippian. MAC provides funding for countless arts organizations and presenters in the state. Without essential funding for these organizations, the gears that keep the arts going, programs and activities that sustain the arts in Mississippi would cease to exist.
2. Grant funds that can be allocated towards capital improvement and purchases are rare but allow organizations to grow exponentially. Although many arts organizations and presenters have their own facilities that would benefit from funds for capital improvements, many organizations do not own their own facilities, including SAAC. The growth potential is not limited to simply having more square footage. It would ultimately allow arts organizations to expand programming to allow for more low- to no-cost programs for the impoverished communities we serve.
 
Thank you for your service and support of the arts, the Mississippi Arts Commission, the Mississippi Development Authority, and other cultural programs across the state.Your support of these programs makes the difference of not just surviving, but thriving.

Starkville Area Arts Council (SAAC) is excited to announce that Art in the Park is coming back! After two years of hiatus, they are bringing this FREE annual event back to the youth of Starkville.

SAAC’s 7th Annual Art in the Park will take place Saturday, April 30, from 9 am until 2:00 pm at J.L. King Park in Starkville. This children’s “art festival” is a FREE, hands-on event designed to inspire and promote creativity in young people.


A wide range of art activities are planned for kids to enjoy, with various local community and civic groups supporting this annual event. Many local artists serve as demonstrators and instructors, where youth are allowed to create art they can take home. Hands-on musical experiences may include drums and string instruments. Our ever-popular, temporary mural wall will be on-site for families to paint.  Other activities may include but are not limited to jewelry making, pottery making, dancing, word blocks, yarn art, and reading and writing.

This year, snacks will be provided for free to attendees between 11:30 am and 1 pm while supplies last. Adults must accompany the children in attendance.


This event is hosted by the Starkville Area Arts Council and is supported in part by funding from the Mississippi Arts Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, Visit Mississippi, MaxxSouth Broadcasting, the City of Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and other local sponsors. For more information, please visit www.starkvillearts.net/artseducation.

#starkvillearts #ArtinthePark2022