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
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
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Art in Public Places (AiPP) is our Exhibit Series. Artists are provided public space to sell their work. SAAC hosts a reception and publicity for each event, handles the collecting and reporting of sales taxes, and takes a substantially reduced commission of 20%. exhibts generally alternate between group and solo exhits and last around two months per exhibit. These 6-7 shows each year exhibit a wide-range of talent and media, including a number of award-winning Southern and International artists.
Our Submittable Page includes open calls for group shows as well as opportunities to submit your work for a potential solo show. Take a look! |
AiPP General Rules
Unless otherwise posted in the call, these guidelines apply to all open submissions. Requirements for solo shows may vary.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
- Artists may submit up to 3 pieces for consideration. Each submission must include JPG files of each work and labeled with Artist Name, Title, Medium, Dimensions, Price.
- If accepted, works must be gallery ready at the time of drop-off. That means 2D works must be mounted or framed or otherwise professionally displayed, ready to hang / display using a wire hanging system.
- No sawtooth hangers may be used. Our hanging system is not compatible with this hanging system.
- Unless otherwise noted, calls are not limited by medium,
- Due to limited space, no piece should exceed 36" in any one direction nor weigh more than 75 pounds.
- Absolutely no craft kits.
- With limited exception, works must be listed for sale.
- A 20% sales commission per piece will be assessed against the price provided by the artist for any works sold. The artist will be paid the gross, less commission following the close of the exhibit.
- During special events (such as unWine or other events) that require discounts for participation, SAAC will discount pieces a maximum of 20% of listed price. The 20% sales commission will still be assessed and the artist paid the gross of the discounted price less commission.
- Works in previous AiPP shows may not be submitted again.
- Works created using Artificial Intelligence will not be accepted.
- If you ship your work, you must provide for pre-paid return shipping, in the event your work does not sell.
- Works left after 30 days of the close of an exhibit become the property of SAAC.
- SAAC reserves the right to reject any work after acceptance if the artwork does not match the digital or photographic image(s) presented in this application.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
On Display Now
"Glib Glub" by Joseph Macgown (May 6 - July 8, 2025)
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The Starkville Area Arts Council is excited to announce our next Art in Public Places (AiPP) Exhibit of 2025, "Glib Glub", a solo show by local artist, writer, and musician, Joseph MacGown!
This solo show features a wondrous array of whimsical paintings and lively ceramic pieces. This exhibit will be on display in-person and online from May 6 to July 8, 2025 in our gallery space with Proof Bakery at 109 W Main Street, Starkville, MS 39759. (online exhibit coming soon) |
AiPP Schedule (2025)
Nov 4, 2024 - Jan 6, 2025: Annual Winter Showcase
Jan 7 - Mar 3, 2025: Libby Cagle Solo Show
Jan 11 - Libby Cagle Reception
Feb 2 : Annual Spring Showcase Submission Deadline
Mar 4 - May 6: AiPP Annual Spring Showcase
Mar 8: Annual Spring Showcase Reception
May 6 - July 7: "Glib Glub" Joseph MacGown Solo Show
May 17: "Glib Glub" Joseph MacGown Opening Reception
Aug 3: Square/Cubic Art Group Submission Deadline
Sept 9 - Nov 4: Square/Cubic Art Group Show
Sept 13: Square Art Reception
Nov 4 - Jan 6, 2026: Annual Winter Showcase
Nov 8: Annual Winter Showcase Reception
More details to come....
Jan 7 - Mar 3, 2025: Libby Cagle Solo Show
Jan 11 - Libby Cagle Reception
Feb 2 : Annual Spring Showcase Submission Deadline
Mar 4 - May 6: AiPP Annual Spring Showcase
Mar 8: Annual Spring Showcase Reception
May 6 - July 7: "Glib Glub" Joseph MacGown Solo Show
May 17: "Glib Glub" Joseph MacGown Opening Reception
Aug 3: Square/Cubic Art Group Submission Deadline
Sept 9 - Nov 4: Square/Cubic Art Group Show
Sept 13: Square Art Reception
Nov 4 - Jan 6, 2026: Annual Winter Showcase
Nov 8: Annual Winter Showcase Reception
More details to come....
Open Calls for Submissions
AiPP Square/Cubic Art Exhibition
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Submissions are now open for our next AiPP group show, Square/Cubic Art Exhibition!
This show is all about the beauty and simplicity of the square! We’re seeking pieces that explore angular forms, geometric precision, and the creative potential of squares, cubes, and clean lines. The theme can be interpreted literally through square dimensions or figuratively through concept and composition. The deadline for submissions is July 20,, 2025 at MIDNIGHT. All submissions must be made online (3 pieces max per artist). Works will be on display in SAAC's gallery at 109 W Main Street from September 9 to November 4, 2025. Best in Show awards will be given at the opening reception; date TBD. |
ART MARKETS
SAAC has started hosting monthly art markets, both themed and un-themed, in order to provide artists and crafters more opportunities outside of the Cotton District Arts Festival to sell their work. Booth fees are only $10 and SAAC collects and pays sales taxes on behalf of the vendors. We welcome all kinds of vendors, from experienced to first-timers.
Past themed markets have included: Holiday Art Market, Valentine's Art Market, International Women's History Month Market, Renaissance Faire Art Market, and the Animal Companions - Pet Art Market.
If you are interested in vending at any of our art markets, check out the open applications for markets below.
Past themed markets have included: Holiday Art Market, Valentine's Art Market, International Women's History Month Market, Renaissance Faire Art Market, and the Animal Companions - Pet Art Market.
If you are interested in vending at any of our art markets, check out the open applications for markets below.
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Holiday Art Market (2023)
SAAC will be hosting a Holiday Art Market at 122 E Main St. in Downtown Starkville on Friday, December 1st, from 4-6 pm. This market is intended to help people find the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones for the holidays. Vendors: Courtney Blackwell Gracely Designs Ania Debicka-Dyer Art Postal Marika Dunne Art & Decor by Marika Dunne Isidora Fereday Daffodil & Daisy Sojourner Graves Crystal Essence Emelie Hebert Studio M Anna Justice Art by Anna C Jenna Klein Knot Yours Truly Joe MacGown MacGown Art Karen Thompson-Edwards Get Wick’d by K candles Dorrie Wu bandana_fred The Holiday Art Market is FREE to attend and aims to create a joyful and immersive experience for art enthusiasts and holiday shoppers alike. With the season of giving upon us, this event provides the perfect opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind gifts that support local artists from all over the Golden Triangle and beyond and celebrate the spirit of community. |
Call for Submissions
There are no open calls for markets right now, but make sure you're following us on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know of future opportunities.
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Past Markets
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ARTIST TALKS
Want to host an artist talk? Contact us at [email protected]
BUSINESS SKILLS WORKSHOPS
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offers real-world, practical advice on treating art like a business. The goal? Show artists how to think like a business so they can sell their work.
In Summer 2020, this workshop series was revamped in collaboration with Yoknapatawpha Arts Council (Oxford) to form the $kills for the Creative Economy Partnership. Under this partnership, SAAC and YAC host monthly workshop series that are open to any Mississippi creatives. Workshops cover various topics including sales taxes, the festival circuit, social media, licensing, and more. As of September 2020, the Series is currently scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month, other than December and July. |
Past Workshops...
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Wednesday, September 14, 2022
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. VIRTUAL via ZOOM Limited to 12 participants 1-1 Sessions Available Need funds for that big art project? Want to buy equipment for your studio? Can’t afford to go to that residency but don’t have the money? Grants are free money, but you can’t get one if you don’t apply! Learn how to navigate a grant application and tell your story so funders will support your work. This workshop will cover the basic common components of grant applications and will include 1:1 review sessions up to 90 minutes to help tailor a specific application. Spaces are limited. Registration ends Sept. 13 |
COTTON DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL
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The Cotton District Arts Festival showcases the best talent in arts, music, food, and more, from across the Southeast. Featuring a variety of artists, musicians and otherwise, CDAF has been consistently named Best Fair/Festival by Mississippi Magazine. Vendors and patrons alike flood the streets of Starkville in events such as the Pet Parade, the Juried Art Competition, Student Art Competition, and many more.
WHEN: April 19, 2025 | 9 am - 3 pm WHERE: Historic Cotton District Are you excited for #CDAF2025?
Head over to the festival website for the latest updates! |
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