Starkville Area Arts Council offers a number of programs and submission opportunities, from the annual Cotton District Arts Festival to period calls for submissions posted throughout the year. All applications are now taken online - no more postage, no more CDs or DVDs, and no more printing and lost materials!
Submission requirements vary for each program. So, be sure to read all instructions (and make sure you are submitting to the right program)!
Join our newsletter list, or check here from time to time, to see what calls may be open.
PLEASE NOTE: Submittable is best viewed on a desktop or through the Submittable App.
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.
We expect all SAAC & CDAF board members, volunteers, participants, vendors, and grantees to follow the same community-engagement policy.
CALLING ALL YOUNG ARTISTS! All Pre-K – 12th grade students enrolled in the Starkville Oktibbeha School District are invited to submit art to the Buzzy's Art Contest. Important Guidelines for Submissions: All submissions are made online by uploading a digital photo or file of an original work of art. PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL SUBMISSIONS. Any email submissions will not be considered.
Students are welcome to submit artwork in all four categories, but only ONE entry per category:
- 2D – Drawing (pencil, crayon, pen, color pencil), Painting (on paper, canvas, wood), Collage, Digital Drawing (not a digital photography but an original drawing made using computer technology such as Adobe Illustrator), or Mixed Media (a work made using a combination of materials).
- Sculpture/3D – Clay (ex. figures, pots), Paper Maché, Fiber (quilts/textile), Metal, Wood (no Legos or assemblages of toys)
- Photography – Digital or Print
- Creative Writing – Short Story, Poetry
Still not sure which category to enter? We can help! Please email your question and a photo of the artwork to starkvillepto.buzzys@gmail.com.
Guidelines for 2D, Sculpture, and Photography:
- All art must be recent, created between January 2025 and January 2026.
- Artwork does not have to be framed but must be stable (not torn, crumpled, or falling apart). *If framed, please do not frame with glass so you may take a good photograph)
- Do not place any names, signatures, titles, or identifying labels on the front of your work or in the submitted photo of your work.
- Each entry requires a separate submission.
- Artwork image must be a Jpeg (jpg) file.
- Name the file the title of the artwork. For example AmazingPaintingofBird.jpeg
- Image must be in focus and cropped to show only the artwork (for example do not show someone holding the work).
- Artwork MUST be original to the student (no copyrighted characters are used). It's ok to be inspired by the world around you, BUT you should not directly copy someone else's idea. Please DO NOT submit works with characters from popular TV shows, cartoons, comics, movies, video games, sports logos, and websites including guided YouTube tutorials. If you created your artwork in a class for school, please tell us what class and the teacher who instructed you. Failure to credit sources will impact the juror's review and the ability for submitted artwork to appear in the final online gallery exhibit. For more on originality, refer to the sample judging rubric.
- Visit starkvillesd.com/news to download and review the judging rubrics for each category.
Guidelines for Creative Writing:
- Each entry requires a separate submission.
- Submissions may be handwritten or typed.
- Submissions should be no longer than 5 pages.
- Do not place any names, signatures, or identifying labels on the front of your work or in the submitted file of your work.
- Submission files may be jpeg, doc, or pdf.
- Name the file the title of the writing. For example TheStoryofMyLife.pdf
- If submitting a photograph of the writing, the image must be in focus so the juror can read the submission.
- Writing MUST be original to the student (no copyrighted characters are used). It's ok to be inspired by the world around you, BUT you should not directly copy someone else's idea. Please DO NOT submit works with characters from popular TV shows, cartoons, comics, movies, video games, sports logos, and websites including guided YouTube tutorials. If you created your writing in a class for school, please tell us what class and the teacher who instructed you. Failure to credit sources will impact the juror's review and the ability for submitted artwork to appear in the final online gallery exhibit. For more on originality, refer to the sample judging rubric.
HOW TO SUBMIT - DO NOT EMAIL SUBMISSIONS. All submissions must be made online through Submittable. If you have questions, please email stakvillepto.buzzyz@gmail.com or contact your school - we want all children to be able to submit. Due to the large amount of submissions, failure to follow any of the guidelines will cause elimination. To see examples of work from previous Buzzy's competition visit: caad.msstate.edu/exhibitions/2021/buzzys-art-contest
Tentative TIMELINE:
- DEADLINE to Submit online: January 30, 2026
- Artwork & Writing Judged: February 23, 2026
- After judging is complete, families of students receiving award recognitions will be notified by Submittable through email (the account used in Submittable). Please make sure to check your junk mail box for notifications.
- Awards Ceremony: February 23, 2026 at 6pm at the Greensboro Center (401 Greensboro St, Starkville, MS) Stay tuned for emails with updated information. Award Winners will be invited to any events. If you have any questions, please contact starkvillepto.buzzys@gmail.com.
This application is for consideration for SAAC's new SAAC Artist Store.
About the SAAC Artist Store:
SAAC has moved in with Proof Bakery to a new space on Main Street in Downtown Starkville! With a greater Main Street presence, we'd like to share this opportunity with artists in town who would like to sell their unique artwork in our space. Our space is limited to 4-5 artisans at a time, so reserve your spot today!
The SAAC Artist Store is located at 109 W Main Street (inside Proof Bakery) and is open during SAAC business hours (Tuesday-Friday, 10 am - 4 pm, excluding Holidays) as well as availability for sales during Proof business hours. SAAC handles all sales, taxes, and payments to artists. Specific rules and information can be found below.
Rules and Important Notes: PLEASE READ THOSE BEFORE APPLYING.
- All forms of work are eligible for acceptance, including but not limited to: Ceramics, Graphics, Jewelry, Literary Materials, Painting, Sculpture, and Traditional Crafts (including but not =limited to woodworking, candle-making, fiber arts, etc.) The goal is to have all accepted artists displaying different mediums, styles, etc. to provide customers with variety.
- Space is very limited, so we can only accept 4-5 artists at a time. Shelf dimensions vary and placement is based on currently available space and the mediums of accepted artists. All works must be for sale. All works must be original by the artist contracted with SAAC. Any items not meeting these requirements may be subject to removal.
- Artists will receive 60% commission of sales for works sold on their shelf. A 40% sales commission will be assessed against the retail price provided by the ARTIST. The ARTIST will be paid the gross, less commission and sales tax, on or about the 10th of the month following the month of sale. 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.
- SAAC only provides the space to the ARTIST. The ARTIST will need to supply any and all decorations, business cards, signage, etc. for their shelf.
- Artists may change inventory at any time (by appointment with SAAC) to reflect new work, holidays, seasons, etc. Artist must provide SAAC with an updated Inventory Sheet upon any changes made to inventory.
- Space occupancy is first come first serve. Terms may be for 6 or 12 months, which may be reassessed at the end of the term. Limit 12 months total per artist.
- All accepted artists must follow our Community Engagement Policy (available on our website).
- A blank example Letter of Agreement and Terms and Conditions can be found on our website (www.starkvillearts.net).
If you still have questions after reading the instructions, please send an email to Juliette at director@starkvillearts.org. If you have technical issues with the application form itself, contact Submittable by clicking the "?" in the upper right or lower left of the form.
Acceptance Notes
All applications will be reviewed for acceptance by SAAC Staff and our current Board President. IF ADMITTED, you will receive a Letter of Agreement and Terms and Conditions. No admitted vendor will be allowed to set up until the Letter of Agreement is signed by the participating Artist and returned to SAAC.
The next round of applications will be reviewed and accepted before January 2, 2025.
This application is for consideration as a VENDOR in the Artisan's Village. If you wish to participate in the Juried Arts Exhibit, you must also submit that application. Application deadline is March 1st, 2026. #CDAF2026 is set for April 18, 2026 Detailed rules are located at www.cdafestival.com/applications.html.
If you still have eligibility questions after reading the instructions, please send an email to artsinstarkville@gmail.com. If you have technical issues with the application form itself, contact Submittable by clicking the "?" in the upper right or lower left of the form. IF ADMITTED, you will receive a SECOND FORM to pay your booth fee. No admitted vendor will be allowed to set up until booth fees are paid. Booth fees are $150 per 10x10 booth (limit of 3 per vendor). If you apply by February 1st, 2026 - you will pay the "Early Bird" Booth fee of $125 per 10x10 booth (limit of 3 per vendor).
Thank you for submitting to the 2026 Cotton District Arts Festival Singer Songwriter Competition Showcase! The top 10 applicants will be selected to compete in a live performance on February 28, 2026, at the Starkville Community Theatre (108 E Main St).
- Songs must be original works written, composed, and performed by the submitter.
- Musicians may submit up to 3 songs per person.
- In the application form, please paste the URL link where the Songwriter Committee can view/listen to your song online.
- Once selected, Showcase participants will be contacted for further details regarding the Showcase.
- The Top 3 winners of the Showcase will be invited to perform at #CDAF2026 in shared time slot! (Plus, in the past, various winners from this competition have been hired to play at SAAC's annual fundraiser Forks & Corks).
DEADLINE: February 15, 2026 @ MIDNIGHT
This form is for NEW FOOD VENDORS.
Vendors who attended previously should contact Taste of Starkville directly at tasteofstarkville@gmail.com for the appropriate form. Please attach a copy of your Business License to the email.
For all rules, please visit www.cdafestival.com
Want to be considered as an act for our Music Stage(s)? Then fill out this form and we'll follow up with you! #CDAF2026 is scheduled for April 18, 2026 in the Cotton District!
Please be aware that our budget is limited and most accepted bands are from the local Golden Triangle area. For any questions, feel free to contact us at artsinstarkville@gmail.com