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.

Open call for submissions for our next AiPP Group Show - The Art of Movement & Dance!  The submission deadline is June 4th, 2023. This show will be a HYBRID show: works will be on display in the Starkville Area Arts Council gallery as well as online. The exhibit will run from July 10th, 2023, to September 11th, 2023.


This show has the theme of Movement/Dance: artworks that represent things in motion or the feeling of movement. Dancers aren't the only ones who can grace us with beautiful motions. Visual 2D and 3D art can represent this as well. A photograph or painting can show us the nature of movement or dance in the blurring or bursting of things. Lines from a poem can make our imagination dance. Sculpture can elicit the feeling of motion. Feel free to relate to the theme whether directly or indirectly, literally or abstractly-- but be aware that works not related to the theme at all will not be accepted. 


NOTE: Only submit ONE work per submission. Artists can submit up to 3 works by submitting additional forms. All mediums accepted. Visit the page for our AiPP initiative at https://www.starkvillearts.net/creativeeconomy.html for additional rules and details.

SAAC will be hosting a Summer Solstice Art Market at 122 E Main St. in  Downtown Starkville on Wednesday, June 21st, from 2-6 pm.  This market is a celebration of the summer solstice and all things art.  We are seeking arts vendors to participate in our market, showcasing  their unique and creative works inspired by the beauty and energy of the  summer solstice. 6 spots are available. 


The deadline is June 14 at midnight. All applications must be made online. Applications will be reviewed by SAAC Staff and volunteers, and accepted vendors will be notified via email by June 16th. More information will be sent to accepted vendors at this time as well.


The summer solstice is a time of abundance, growth,  and warmth, and we are looking for art that captures the essence of this  season. This could include bright and vibrant colors, depictions of  summer landscapes, flora and fauna, or other images that evoke the  feeling of summer. We welcome vendors of all mediums. Whether you  specialize in abstract art or realism, we want to see your unique  interpretation of the summer solstice. 6 spots are available. The  deadline is June 14 at midnight


This Art Market will have a $10 Booth fee for accepted vendors.  Booth Payments can be made by cash, card, or check. This will go towards costs of planning the event, refreshments, etc. You must supply all your own tables/decor. Limit one table per vendor. All final sales go to the vendor. All artists must handle their own sales taxes.


All sales from the SAAC Artist Store or other SAAC merchandise will be handled by SAAC Staff or Volunteers. 

Of verily, a call for art vendors cometh! Harken ye, fair artists and craftspeople, to the Renaissance Faire Art Market on the 29th day of the merry month of July, where merriment and creativity shall abound. We are in search of talented vendors who wish to share their wares with the good folk of our faire.

With the spirit of the Renaissance at our helm, we invite thee to bring forth thy most magnificent art and artisanal crafts to grace our market. From paintings and drawings to sculptures and jewelry, all manner of fine works shall be considered.

Inspired by the grandeur of the Renaissance, we beseech thee to infuse thy creations with the essence of that noble age. Let thy works be imbued with the splendor of courtly life, the intrigue of the guilds, and the majesty of the art that flourished in those times.

The Renaissance Faire Art Market shall be held on the 28th of the month of July, where our visitors shall flock in droves to peruse thy fine creations. Thou shalt have the opportunity to showcase and sell thy works, and to mingle with other vendors of like-minded talent and passion.

If thou art interested in partaking in this grand occasion, we beseech thee to submit up to five high-quality images of thy works, along with a brief artist statement and bio. Take heed, for the deadline for submissions shall be on the 20th of the month of July, and selected vendors shall be notified forthwith.

Verily, all applications must be made online. The esteemed SAAC Staff and their volunteers shall review these applications, and vendors of worthy craft shall be notified of acceptance via the most expeditious of means, the electronic post, by the 22nd day of July. At this juncture, more information shall be divulged to the chosen vendors, so that they may be fully prepared for the event.

This Art Market shall require a fee of $10 for each booth, payable upon acceptance. This shall assist in covering the expenses of the market, including victuals and other necessities. Booth Payments may be made by cash, card, or check. Thou must supply all thy own tables and decor, and each vendor shall be limited to one table only. All final sales shall go to the vendor, and each artist shall be responsible for handling their own sales taxes.

All sales that occur through the SAAC Artist Store, or other merchandise sold through SAAC, shall be managed by the capable hands of the SAAC Staff and their volunteers.

Come, join us on this grand adventure, and let thy works transport us to the grandeur and magnificence of the Renaissance!

Starkville Area Arts Council is looking for Interns for our revamped Internship Program. We are now offering our regular Communications Internship, as well as an Artist Internship and Office and Gallery Assistant Internship. 

These roles may be adjusted as needed, and each internship will have the opportunity to write one or more blog articles on arts-related topics. Preference is given to current MSU undergraduates. This position is currently unpaid, but may be eligible for academic credit. Responsibilities and duties are listed below under each internship type. 

General Requirements -

  • Excellent verbal/writing skills.
  • Efficient problem-solving skills.
  • Enthusiasm for the role as well as the mission of SAAC.
  • 10 hours/week for an academic term, but flexible with student’s schedule.

For 2022-2023, there are 1-3 positions available.

SAAC Internship Job Descriptions for 2022-2023

Communications Internship

Communications interns will be responsible for helping draft, schedule, and manage social media and email communications on Network for Good as well as assist with basic office duties.

  1. Responsibilities:
    1. Communications Duties
      1. Draft social media posts for the Starkville Area Arts Council and Cotton District Arts Festival (as needed)
        1. Note: All posts must be approved before scheduling
      2. Draft Newsletter and other emailed communications for events and activities as needed in Network for Good
      3. Assist with Annual Report
    2. SAAC Office Duties
      1. Be able to be present during SAAC hours (dependent on intern’s availability) to greet visitors and customers and answer questions about SAAC and our programming. SAAC Public Hours are M-F 10 am-2 pm.
      2. Answer phone
      3. Take payments for SAAC Artist Store, AiPP purchases, Donations (NFG)

Artist Internship

Artist Interns will be responsible for some basic office and retail duties as needed with the incentive of having a space to produce their art during SAAC hours.

  1. Responsibilities
    1. Assist with strategizing workshops and programming for The Workshop
    2. Help recruit additional artists
    3. SAAC Office Duties
      1. Be able to be present during SAAC hours (dependent on intern’s availability) to greet visitors and customers and answer questions about SAAC and our programming when SAAC staff/other interns are not present. SAAC Public Hours are M-F 10 am-2 pm.
      2. Answer phone when SAAC staff/other interns are not present
      3. Take payments for SAAC Artist Store, AiPP purchases, Donations (NFG) when SAAC staff/other interns are not present.
  2. Artist Perks:
    1. Space in the Workshop area to set up a small artist space to work on projects during SAAC hours.

Office and Gallery Assistant Intern

The Office and Gallery Assistant will be responsible for basic office duties as well as assisting SAAC arrange exhibits, pop-up shops/exhibits and helping curate, arrange, hang shows and other works.

  1. SAAC Office Duties
    1. Be able to be present during SAAC hours (dependent on intern’s availability) to greet visitors and customers and answer questions about SAAC and our programming. SAAC Public Hours are M-F 10 am-2 pm.
    2. Answer phone
    3. Take payments for SAAC Artist Store, AiPP purchases, Donations (NFG)
  2. Gallery Duties
    1. Assist SAAC Staff and AiPP Volunteers with curating and arranging AiPP, Artist Store, and other Gallery works at SAAC office (and Partnership Lobby?)
    2. Assist with strategizing pop-up exhibits and other gallery programming for the Gallery space

This application is for consideration for SAAC's new SAAC Artist Store. 


About the SAAC Artist Store: 

SAAC has moved 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 6 artisans at a time, so reserve your spot today! 

The SAAC Artist Store will be open during SAAC business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 am - 5 pm, excluding Holidays). 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.)
  • 1 shelf per artisan. Space is Limited to 6 artisans total. Shelf dimensions are H 21.5 in x W 57 in x D 26 in. Larger works may be accepted (Please notify SAAC). All works must be for sale. All works must be original by the artist contracted with SAAC.
  • 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. 
  • SAAC only provides space to the ARTIST. The ARTIST will need to supply any and all decorations, business cards, signage, etc. for their booth. 
  • 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. 
  • All accepted artists must follow our Community Engagment Policy (available on our website). 
  • A blank 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 arts@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 first round of applications will be reviewed and accepted before September 3, 2022. 

$15.00

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. Deadline for applying is August 1st. #CDAF2023 is set for September 23, 2023.

Detailed rules are located at www.cdafestival.com/applications.html. PLEASE READ THOSE BEFORE APPLYING. If you still have eligibility questions after reading the instructions, please send an email to CDAFArtisans@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.

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 $125 per 10x10 booth (limit of 3 per vendor).

Are you a potter, painter, photographer... or any other artist? Interested in a reading or a one-person show or submitting a mural?

SHARE YOUR WORK WITH SAAC!

Send us your best work (images you provide must represent the work you wish to submit). We'll take a look at what you've got and follow up with you if we see potential fit with one of our programs!

Starkville Area Arts Council