The Creative Economy

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the arts industry contributes more than $763.6 billion to the American economy each year, that's more than agriculture, transportation, or warehousing. How? Consider the ripple effect of even a simple trip to the movies, hear a band, or head to the theatre: do you hire a babysitter? grab a bite to eat? gas up on the way? Give people something to do, and they will stay, live, work, retire here. Not convinced? Just ask a real estate agent the questions they field from clients looking to move to our community.
  • Art in Public Places (exhibit series)
  • Business Skills Workshops (teaching artists to treat their art like a business)
  • Cotton District Arts Festival 
​SAAC budgets for these individually and relies heavily on sponsorships in order to host and produce these events. 
Are you excited for #CDAF2021?

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Head over to the festival website for the latest updates!

Held on Super Bulldog Weekend in the historic Cotton District each spring in Starkville, Mississippi, the festival blends incredible art, music, and food into a showcase event. The festival hosts more than 125 artisans, as well as a Juried Art Competition, Student Art competition, Writer's Village, Taste of Starkville restaurant showcase, Pet Parade, and much more. Presented by the Starkville Area Arts Council, the Cotton District Arts Festival has been named one of the top 100 Events in North America by the American Bus Association, as well as Top 20 event in Southeast.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE FESTIVAL WEBSITE
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#CDAF2020 Poster Design
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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!
101 South Lafayette Street, Suite 18
Starkville, Mississippi 39759
arts@starkvillearts.org
director@starkvillearts.org
662.324.3080
©2020 Starkville Area Arts Council. All Rights Reserved.
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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.