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
Join us for the first exhibit in our new space, "Discourse" The Exhibition featuring works by Zoé Ishee. This exhibit will be on display at SAAC/Proof from September 23 through November 4, 2024. Please join us for an opening reception on Saturday, September 28th from 5:30-7pm at SAAC/Proof.
This show features 20+ new, unpublished works from Zoé. Some works may be for sale. Works will be on display in our Gallery and online from September 23 through November 4, 2024 at the new SAAC/Proof location at 109 W Main Street in Downtown Starkville, right next to City Hall during open hours. For more information on exhibits, please visit www.starkvillearts.net. |
AiPP Schedule (2024)
Jan 2 - Feb 26, 2024: AiPP Art Partners Showcase
Jan 8 - Mar 4, 2024: Andre Ray Solo Show Jan 9, 2024: Andre Ray Opening Reception Jan 18, 2024: Art Partners Showcase Opening Reception Feb 5 - Aug 5, 2024: Natural Mississippi Themed Group Show Feb 26 - Apr 29, 2024: AiPP Cultural Kaleidoscope Feb 27: AiPP Cultural Kaleidoscope Opening Reception Mar 4 - May 6, 2024: Southern Gothic Group Show Mar 5, 2024: Southern Gothic Group Show Opening Reception May 14 -July 8, 2024: Bonnie Brumely & Austin McGrath (Joined Exhibit) May 16: Bonnie Brumley & Austin McGrath Opening Reception (at VAC) Sept 23 - Nov 4, 2024: "Discourse" The Exhibition - works by Zoé Ishee Sept 28, 2024: "Discourse" The Exhibition - works by Zoé Ishee Opening Reception Oct 6, 2024: Annual Winter Showcase Deadline Nov 4, 2024 - Jan 6, 2025: Annual Winter Showcase Nov 9, 2024: Annual Winter Showcase Reception Jan 6 - Mar 3, 2025: Libby Cagle Solo Show Mar 3 - May 5, 2025: AiPP Group Show TBD May 5 - July 7, 2025: AiPP Solo Show TBD Sept 8 - Nov 3, 2025: AiPP Solo Show TBD Nov 3, 2025 - Jan 5, 2026: Annual Winter Showcase More details to come.... |
Open Calls for Submissions
No open calls right now. Please come back later
Past Exhibitions
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.
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
We are planning out market schedule for 2024 in order to make these events better for both vendors and attendees. Stay tuned for more information and calls for submissions.
Past Markets
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ARTIST TALKS
Want to host an artist talk? Contact us at [email protected]
BUSINESS SKILLS WORKSHOPS
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...
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 |
Upcoming WorkshopsStay Tuned! |
Past Workshops |
COTTON DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL
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.
Are you excited for #CDAF2023?
Head over to the festival website for the latest updates! |
CDAF ANNOUNCEMENT
The Starkville Area Arts Council Board of Directors and the Cotton District Arts Festival Planning Committee have come to the decision to move the Cotton District Arts Festival back to the Spring.
Going forward, the Cotton District Arts Festival (CDAF) will be planned for the third Saturday in April annually. Please know that this decision has not been made lightly and was made with discussion and input from city officials, the Planning Committee, artisans and restaurants, and attendees.
With this decision, we have also decided to forgo the 2024 Cotton District Arts Festival.
SAAC and CDAF rely on grants, sponsorships, and donations in order to do any of our operations or events, especially CDAF. Many of our grants are distributed once annually and cover significant portions of the planning costs of the event (advertising, entertainment, and overhead primarily). This festival is a huge undertaking for SAAC and all the volunteers involved, not only financially but also for the planning time. Unfortunately, it is impossible for us to plan and execute two festivals in a fiscal year.
During this time, the planning committee will continue to meet in order to fix issues that have persisted for years without proper time to fix those problems, amend maps, find additional committee members to fill in gaps, and overall make this festival better for artisans, food vendors, and attendees. We are working to plan a few smaller events and markets for our artisans and food vendors in 2024 to help supplement this postponement as well as work with other organizations to incorporate more artisans and food vendors into existing Starkville events to provide more opportunities for our artist community.
If anyone is interested in volunteering for the CDAF Planning Committee, we are especially in need of a Music Chair, and a Taste of Starkville Chair. For more information, please contact SAAC Executive Director Mary Switzer.
We would like to thank the Starkville community for their continued support of CDAF and we hope to make the 2025 Cotton District Arts Festival the best one yet.
See you April 19, 2025!
Going forward, the Cotton District Arts Festival (CDAF) will be planned for the third Saturday in April annually. Please know that this decision has not been made lightly and was made with discussion and input from city officials, the Planning Committee, artisans and restaurants, and attendees.
With this decision, we have also decided to forgo the 2024 Cotton District Arts Festival.
SAAC and CDAF rely on grants, sponsorships, and donations in order to do any of our operations or events, especially CDAF. Many of our grants are distributed once annually and cover significant portions of the planning costs of the event (advertising, entertainment, and overhead primarily). This festival is a huge undertaking for SAAC and all the volunteers involved, not only financially but also for the planning time. Unfortunately, it is impossible for us to plan and execute two festivals in a fiscal year.
During this time, the planning committee will continue to meet in order to fix issues that have persisted for years without proper time to fix those problems, amend maps, find additional committee members to fill in gaps, and overall make this festival better for artisans, food vendors, and attendees. We are working to plan a few smaller events and markets for our artisans and food vendors in 2024 to help supplement this postponement as well as work with other organizations to incorporate more artisans and food vendors into existing Starkville events to provide more opportunities for our artist community.
If anyone is interested in volunteering for the CDAF Planning Committee, we are especially in need of a Music Chair, and a Taste of Starkville Chair. For more information, please contact SAAC Executive Director Mary Switzer.
We would like to thank the Starkville community for their continued support of CDAF and we hope to make the 2025 Cotton District Arts Festival the best one yet.
See you April 19, 2025!
PUBLIC ART
creates a sense of place and brings together a community in ways other programs can’t, from neighborhood improvement to a clear, identifiable draw in tourism. SAAC continues to collaborate with the MSU Department of Art and other partners to help emphasize the arts here in Starkville.
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