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.
SAAC's Friends & Lovers Market is back for another year! This year's market will take place alongside a Starkville DIY concert at the Triangle Trading Post on Sunday, February 15th, from 5-8 PM.
We are seeking a diverse selection of both art and food vendors (cottage food included) and all mediums are welcome. There is no set theme, but vendors are welcome to sell Valentine's-themed items if they choose.
We're expecting to accommodate up to 20 vendors for this year's market.
The deadline to apply is February 8th by midnight. All applications must be made online. Applications will be reviewed by SAAC Staff, and accepted vendors will be notified via email by Feb 10th. More information will be sent to accepted vendors around this time as well.
This market will have a $15 booth fee for accepted vendors. Booth Payments can be made by cash, card, or check during setup. This will go towards the cost of planning the event, refreshments, etc. You must supply all your own tables/decor; limited to one table per vendor.
All final sales go to the vendor. Sales taxes WILL be collected by SAAC on behalf of all vendors and reported to the Department of Revenue.
All sales from the SAAC Artist Store or other SAAC merchandise will be handled by SAAC Staff or Volunteers.
If you have any questions, please email us at artsinstarkville@gmail.com
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. Apply by February 1st, 2026, for an early bird discount; the final 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