The Future's So Bright, We Gotta...

John W. Bateman

Executive Director

I’ll skip the pun, but I can’t help but look forward to 2018! Even though our fiscal year ends June 30, the start of a new calendar year offers a great point to assess and look ahead. Hopefully, 2018 will offer every creative and art-lover something to enjoy!

Here are a few things to note from the past 5 months and for things to come.

What’s new… administration:

• Reduced data entry with…
  • linking financial accounts to accounting software.
  • changing payment collection to automate transfer of funds.
  • connecting sign-up forms directly to our contact database.
• Improved communications and organized publicity plan with reinstated blog, newsletter, Patron’s Letter, and standard press releases.
• Online submissions through Submittable, the most popular platform for artists and creatives.
• Transfer of IT assets and accounts into an organization-based email so that SAAC information isn’t tied to a private email account.

Still in transition… administration:

• Automated reminders for renewal of membership dues. We’re almost there! No more tracking and searching through an Access database.
• Membership-based newsletter. Because of the investment members make, we want to communicate better on projects, programs, and developments.
• Selective outsourcing: some tasks require consistent expertise that can be inefficient to maintain in-house. For example: special sales taxes (yes, we pay them) outsourced to an accountant ensures not only timely filing but also staying current on changes in credits and exemptions.

What’s new… programs:

• The Public Arts Calendar. If you haven’t seen it… then you can’t complain there's nothing going on in Starkville.
• Untitled! This new, collaborative project of SAAC and SCT gives emerging writers and performers a community to test works in progress in a no-feedback environment. Details to be announced soon, with anticipated start in late January.
• U40 Exhibit. Young artists have spoken and we’re listening. In February, SAAC is sponsoring an event (partly modeled after our AiPP program) to highlight artists aged 18-40 who are hungry to share and sell their work. Details forthcoming.
• Other Special Projects… community interest and SAAC’s strategic plan includes murals and other public art. Sketches and locations and drafts are circulating as a way to share, with the public, the vibrant talent right here in Starkville.

Programs.... More forthcoming:

• Year-round artist salons?
• Regular artist talks?
• Literary arts?
• Partnerships and collaborative events?

Collaboration may become critical for all arts programs in the face of potential funding cuts and austerity at state and federal levels. SAAC is considering its own overlaps so we can strengthen programs and streamline our resources. We are also looking outside of SAAC: unidentified partnership opportunities may exist across organizations. As an umbrella organization with a mission to build and connect the community through art, SAAC is in a unique position to help identify those possibilities and connect potential partners who may benefit from sharing resources and publicity.

Keep the conversation going. Please feel free to comment below.