Applications for #CDAF2025:
Starkville Area Arts Council and the Cotton District Arts Festival use Submittable, a favorite online system for artists, to help keep your application costs down and make processing applications much easier. All submissions, other than for the Pet Parade (which is taken on the morning of the Festival), will be accepted only through Submittable. If you have difficulty opening any of the applications, we will be more than happy to assist you. We look forward to hearing from you!
When each #CDAF2025 Application opens for submission, the buttons below will open the application. Best viewed on a desktop OR in the Submittable Mobile App. ALL RULES FOR CDAF APPLICATIONS ARE REPOSTED BELOW. If you apply to be a vendor, you are confirming that you have read and agree to abide by these rules.
When each #CDAF2025 Application opens for submission, the buttons below will open the application. Best viewed on a desktop OR in the Submittable Mobile App. ALL RULES FOR CDAF APPLICATIONS ARE REPOSTED BELOW. If you apply to be a vendor, you are confirming that you have read and agree to abide by these rules.
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To get notified when #CDAF2025 Applications become available (and other deadlines), subscribe to the SAAC Newsletter or follow us on Social Media!
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#CDAF2025 Official Date
April 19, 2025
9 am - 3 pm
Historic Cotton District, Starkville MS
April 19, 2025
9 am - 3 pm
Historic Cotton District, Starkville MS
All Applications
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For all CDAF and SAAC submission opportunities, visit our general Submittable page. Links will be available as soon as applications open. Subscribe to the SAAC newsletter to be the first to know!
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Final Deadline: March 1, 2025
(Booth Fees for those that apply before Feb 1 will receive a reduced "Early Bird" booth fee of $125) Deadline: March 9, 2025
Deadline: February 15, 2025
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Deadline: March 2, 2025
Previous vendors, please contact [email protected] to complete the #CDAF2025 Taste of Starkville APPROVED VENDOR application. Deadline: February 23, 2025
Applications available the morning of the festival
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All deadlines will close at MIDNIGHT the night of the deadline.
Application RulesRules for each submission option are below. Keep scrolling to find the one(s) you need.
In your application, you will certify that you have read these rules.
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General Rules
The following rules apply to all artists, vendors, performers, and participants.
GENERAL RELEASE
By submitting, the applicant discharges the Cotton District Arts Festival and the Starkville Area Arts Council from all manner of actions, suits, damages, claims, and demands whatsoever in law or equity from any loss or damage to the undersigned’s property, while in possession, supervision, or auspices of the Cotton District Arts Festival and the Starkville Area Arts Council, its agents and representatives. The applicant has read and agrees to comply with all rules in this application and on www.cdafestival.com.
The Cotton District Arts Festival may request removal of any items that differ from the application submitted and accepted, or any items or displays that are inappropriate to the festival. Accepted artisans who do not comply with CDAF policies within this application risk not being invited back or accepted in the future. CDAF reserves the right to make final interpretation of all rules.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
CDAF will occur, regardless of rain; all vendors should come prepared to manage their booths in the event of rain or wind. HOWEVER, CDAF, SAAC, or the City may decide that inclement weather poses a safety threat (such as lightning, flash flooding, severe thunderstorm, tornado watch or warning, etc.), and may cancel the Festival based upon that determination. If weather, a major disaster, or other circumstances beyond the control of CDAF organizers cause the cancellation of the Festival, any booth refund will be in the sole discretion of CDAF. CDAF is not liable to exhibitors for the failure of the event to take place OR for damage to products or structures. You may check the CDAF website and social media leading up to the event, if you are unsure of weather conditions.
Although CDAF organizers consult with National Weather Service in Jackson, MS, leading up to CDAF, we are unable to predict dangerous weather or protect against any losses from such activity.
TAXES
Cotton District Arts Festival is responsible for collecting state (Mississippi) and local sales taxes. All Artisans are responsible for collecting sales tax (7%) as required by law. All Taste of Starkville food vendors are responsible for collecting sales tax (10%) as required by state law. Taxes collected must be turned into the Festival Committee in envelopes provided before leaving the festival. Taxes may be turned in to the Tax Tent during the last hours of the festival. ARTISANS MUST PAY before leaving the festival.
APPLICATION FEES (if applicable) ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. No fees (application fees or booth fees) will be refunded for any artist vendor who is reselling product made by someone else. Booth fees may be refunded before the festival if requested. Booth fees are not refunded if the festival occurs in any capacity.
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, 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 CDAF vendors to follow the same community-engagement policy.
By submitting, the applicant discharges the Cotton District Arts Festival and the Starkville Area Arts Council from all manner of actions, suits, damages, claims, and demands whatsoever in law or equity from any loss or damage to the undersigned’s property, while in possession, supervision, or auspices of the Cotton District Arts Festival and the Starkville Area Arts Council, its agents and representatives. The applicant has read and agrees to comply with all rules in this application and on www.cdafestival.com.
The Cotton District Arts Festival may request removal of any items that differ from the application submitted and accepted, or any items or displays that are inappropriate to the festival. Accepted artisans who do not comply with CDAF policies within this application risk not being invited back or accepted in the future. CDAF reserves the right to make final interpretation of all rules.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
CDAF will occur, regardless of rain; all vendors should come prepared to manage their booths in the event of rain or wind. HOWEVER, CDAF, SAAC, or the City may decide that inclement weather poses a safety threat (such as lightning, flash flooding, severe thunderstorm, tornado watch or warning, etc.), and may cancel the Festival based upon that determination. If weather, a major disaster, or other circumstances beyond the control of CDAF organizers cause the cancellation of the Festival, any booth refund will be in the sole discretion of CDAF. CDAF is not liable to exhibitors for the failure of the event to take place OR for damage to products or structures. You may check the CDAF website and social media leading up to the event, if you are unsure of weather conditions.
Although CDAF organizers consult with National Weather Service in Jackson, MS, leading up to CDAF, we are unable to predict dangerous weather or protect against any losses from such activity.
TAXES
Cotton District Arts Festival is responsible for collecting state (Mississippi) and local sales taxes. All Artisans are responsible for collecting sales tax (7%) as required by law. All Taste of Starkville food vendors are responsible for collecting sales tax (10%) as required by state law. Taxes collected must be turned into the Festival Committee in envelopes provided before leaving the festival. Taxes may be turned in to the Tax Tent during the last hours of the festival. ARTISANS MUST PAY before leaving the festival.
APPLICATION FEES (if applicable) ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. No fees (application fees or booth fees) will be refunded for any artist vendor who is reselling product made by someone else. Booth fees may be refunded before the festival if requested. Booth fees are not refunded if the festival occurs in any capacity.
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, 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 CDAF vendors to follow the same community-engagement policy.
All Additional Rules
Use the dropdowns below to read additional rules for other villages and competitions. Deadlines for #CDAF2023 applications will be available when applications open.
Artisan Village Additional Rules
Artisan Village Additional Rules
Deadline: March 1, 2025 @ MIDNIGHT
Booth fees will be $150/booth, or $125/booth for early applicants (before February 1).
NOTE: If you wish to participate in the JURIED ART SHOW, you must ALSO submit in that category. This application is for consideration as a VENDOR in the Artisan's Village.
ELIGIBILITY: All items offered for sale must be original work of the Artist and must be representative of that described in the application. Original artwork is defined as both handmade and/or the repurposing of items which results in the creation of new and unique works of art. NO craft kits allowed. NO Tee Shirts or other factory-made items (i.e. containers, furniture, etc.) regardless of artistic enhancement. NEW RULE Items containing collegiate or organizational logos and emblems ARE allowed for licensed vendors only.
Selection of artists is based on creativity, quality, and originality. Items offered for sale must be original work of the Artist and must be representative of that described in the application. Mississippi Craftsman Guild members are automatically accepted when the application is postmarked by the entry deadline. Entry requirements must still be met, including photographs and payment of booth fee.
Items offered for sale must be original work of the Artist and must be representative of that described in the application. Vendors may not sell arts and crafts created by others. Items brought to the festival must be items in the same family or category of those that were submitted in the application photos. Additional items are prohibited and are grounds for removal.
Original artwork is defined as both handmade and/or the repurposing of items which results in the creation of new and unique works of art. Repurposed items must result on the creation of a new or unique item. Examples are wind-chimes made out of silverware, bottles, etc., and sculpture made out of found objects. Adding embroidery, screen-print, or digital print to a mass produced item such as clothing, dish towels, cups, huggies, or other items does not meet this criteria.
NO craft kits allowed. Vendors may not sell any item that was made from a pre-packaged arts and craft “kit”, such as models, rugs, paint by number, etc.
NO T-Shirts or other factory made items (i.e. containers, furniture, etc.) regardless of artistic enhancement. Vendors may not sell items that are factory made or mass merchandised, including CD’s, tee shirts, etc. All items must be the explicit creation of the vendor, and vendors must be able to describe in detail, the artistic process they used to create their item(s).
NEW RULE Items containing collegiate or organizational logos and emblems ARE allowed for licensed vendors. In order to sell collegiate branded items (ex: items with MSU, Ole Miss, etc logos or other trademarked icons) you must provide your licensing agreement number(s) in your application. We will require your licensing agreement number to be displayed on your booth sign the day of the festival. It is the responsibility of the vendors to follow MSU or other collegiate product and and logo licensing guidelines. For questions about MSU licensing, please contact Duski Hale, Office of General Counsel, and Mississippi State University at 662-325-8131 or [email protected]. Vendors caught selling unlicensed collegiate or other trademarked items will not be accepted to future festivals.
The use of licensed fabric that is printed with the MSU or other collegiate logos to make quilts and sell at CDAF is permissible without license.
If any vendors become are licensed before the festival after they apply, they must provide their registration number to the Artisan Village Committee BEFORE the date of the festival in order to bring licensed items to the festival.
Juried Selection of artists is based on creativity, quality, and originality. Final selection of artisans is based on the artistic creativity, originality, and quality presented in the written description and accompanying photographs submitted in the vendor application. Preference is given to items that are created using traditional handcraft methods, therefore it is important to detail methods used in creating items.
Categories: The following is a list of Arts and Craft items that are considered appropriate. Note that this is only a guide and is not all inclusive, nor is it an automatic acceptance. For the purpose of completing the application, items that are designed to serve a utilitarian purpose generally fall into the traditional crafts category, including furniture, wooden spoons, bird feeders, wind chimes, boxes, basketry, clothing, candles, soap, etc.
If you still have eligibility questions after reading these instructions, please send an email to [email protected]. If you have technical issues, contact Submittable by clicking the "?" in the upper right or lower left of the form.
IF ADMITTED, you will receive a SECOND FORM to collect your booth fee. No admitted vendor will be allowed to set up until booth fees are paid.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ARTISAN OBLIGATIONS
Only Artists accompanying their original work may participate in the festival. Booth displays must remain intact until the show ends. Each booth must be manned at all times during the festival. The festival will be held Rain or Shine. Artisans should be prepared for inclement weather conditions.
BOOTHS
Each artist / artist pair must submit 5 high resolution JPEG images. Your answer to General Information above should include a description of each image for reference. ALL APPLICANTS must submit images for consideration.
SALES TAX
YOU MUST COLLECT, REPORT, AND PAY SALES TAX ON THE DAY OF THE FESTIVAL. CDAF will provide all necessary tax information and forms. Sales Tax may be paid with CHECK or CASH ONLY.
Set Up / Take Down
Set up is SATURDAY ONLY. With car: 5am to 8am. On foot: 8am to 9am. Breakdown is SATURDAY ONLY beginning at 5pm. No cars will be allowed within the festival gates before 5pm. Vendors may not start taking down until the end of the festival. Sales Tax MUST be paid before leaving the festival.
For additional questions about the Artisan Village, please contact [email protected].
DEADLINE: March 1, 2025
Booth fees will be $150/booth, or $125/booth for early applicants (before February 1).
NOTE: If you wish to participate in the JURIED ART SHOW, you must ALSO submit in that category. This application is for consideration as a VENDOR in the Artisan's Village.
ELIGIBILITY: All items offered for sale must be original work of the Artist and must be representative of that described in the application. Original artwork is defined as both handmade and/or the repurposing of items which results in the creation of new and unique works of art. NO craft kits allowed. NO Tee Shirts or other factory-made items (i.e. containers, furniture, etc.) regardless of artistic enhancement. NEW RULE Items containing collegiate or organizational logos and emblems ARE allowed for licensed vendors only.
Selection of artists is based on creativity, quality, and originality. Items offered for sale must be original work of the Artist and must be representative of that described in the application. Mississippi Craftsman Guild members are automatically accepted when the application is postmarked by the entry deadline. Entry requirements must still be met, including photographs and payment of booth fee.
Items offered for sale must be original work of the Artist and must be representative of that described in the application. Vendors may not sell arts and crafts created by others. Items brought to the festival must be items in the same family or category of those that were submitted in the application photos. Additional items are prohibited and are grounds for removal.
Original artwork is defined as both handmade and/or the repurposing of items which results in the creation of new and unique works of art. Repurposed items must result on the creation of a new or unique item. Examples are wind-chimes made out of silverware, bottles, etc., and sculpture made out of found objects. Adding embroidery, screen-print, or digital print to a mass produced item such as clothing, dish towels, cups, huggies, or other items does not meet this criteria.
NO craft kits allowed. Vendors may not sell any item that was made from a pre-packaged arts and craft “kit”, such as models, rugs, paint by number, etc.
NO T-Shirts or other factory made items (i.e. containers, furniture, etc.) regardless of artistic enhancement. Vendors may not sell items that are factory made or mass merchandised, including CD’s, tee shirts, etc. All items must be the explicit creation of the vendor, and vendors must be able to describe in detail, the artistic process they used to create their item(s).
NEW RULE Items containing collegiate or organizational logos and emblems ARE allowed for licensed vendors. In order to sell collegiate branded items (ex: items with MSU, Ole Miss, etc logos or other trademarked icons) you must provide your licensing agreement number(s) in your application. We will require your licensing agreement number to be displayed on your booth sign the day of the festival. It is the responsibility of the vendors to follow MSU or other collegiate product and and logo licensing guidelines. For questions about MSU licensing, please contact Duski Hale, Office of General Counsel, and Mississippi State University at 662-325-8131 or [email protected]. Vendors caught selling unlicensed collegiate or other trademarked items will not be accepted to future festivals.
The use of licensed fabric that is printed with the MSU or other collegiate logos to make quilts and sell at CDAF is permissible without license.
If any vendors become are licensed before the festival after they apply, they must provide their registration number to the Artisan Village Committee BEFORE the date of the festival in order to bring licensed items to the festival.
Juried Selection of artists is based on creativity, quality, and originality. Final selection of artisans is based on the artistic creativity, originality, and quality presented in the written description and accompanying photographs submitted in the vendor application. Preference is given to items that are created using traditional handcraft methods, therefore it is important to detail methods used in creating items.
Categories: The following is a list of Arts and Craft items that are considered appropriate. Note that this is only a guide and is not all inclusive, nor is it an automatic acceptance. For the purpose of completing the application, items that are designed to serve a utilitarian purpose generally fall into the traditional crafts category, including furniture, wooden spoons, bird feeders, wind chimes, boxes, basketry, clothing, candles, soap, etc.
- Paintings – Original (oil, acrylic, water, mixed media, and other) on canvas, wood, paper, and recycled objects. Framed prints must be signed and numbered; commercial prints (not signed or numbered) may be sold separately (in bins). All prints must be clearly marked as reproductions. If selling prints, remember that a good mix of original paintings along with prints is desired, for example, a booth might have a balanced assortment of 20 original paintings hanging and flip bins containing 10 prints of each.
- Sculpture – (metal, wood, glass, mixed media, other). Three-dimensional art objects made with any type of material which prime purpose is aesthetic and not so much utilitarian or functional.
- Graphics (Drawing, Printmaking, Calligraphy, and Photography)
- Drawings – Original (pencil, pen and ink) on paper. Framed prints must be signed and numbered; commercial prints (not signed or numbered) may be sold separately (in bins). All prints must be clearly marked as reproductions. If selling prints, remember that a good mix of original drawings along with prints is desired.
- Calligraphy – Original hand lettering on paper or canvas. Framed prints must be signed and numbered; commercial reproductions (not signed or numbered) may be sold separately (in bins). All prints must be clearly marked as reproductions. If selling prints, remember that a good mix of original drawings along with prints is desired.
- Printmaking – Block prints, screen-prints, typography - hand pulled prints, and other types of individually created prints on canvas or paper, all must be individually signed and numbered. Commercial reproductions must be clearly marked and sold separately (in bins). No screen-printed tee shirts.
- Photography – Artist’s original photographic prints; including black & white, color, or enhanced.
- Ceramics – All clay based art and craft - hand thrown or built (mold made ceramics must be labeled).
- Jewelry – All types and materials.
- Traditional Craft – include all craftsmanship items that are designed mostly to serve as a utilitarian purpose. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Woodworking – furniture, boxes, pens, spoons, bird houses, toys, etc.
- Furniture – all materials,
- Fiber/Fabric – handcrafted garments, millinery items, knitted items, crocheted items, bows, etc.
- Decorative Art- Basketry, Stained Glass (sun catchers, windows, boxes), Pressed Flower Art, Paper Crafts (Origami, hand-made paper & books); Gourd Art, Wind chimes.
- Other: Candles, Soap, Condiments, etc. - There is limited number of booths available for items that are in the “Other” category.
- Condiments & Other Food items: Please submit any pre-packaged food items (dip mixes, sauces, honey, baked goods, cookies, etc). an application under the Taste of Starkville application. All items must be pre-packaged, recipes and packaging must be original and proprietary of the vendor, and all items must meet federal, state, and local health regulations. ALL FOOD VENDORS MUST HAVE A HEALTH PERMIT TO BE ACCEPTED.
- Woodworking – furniture, boxes, pens, spoons, bird houses, toys, etc.
If you still have eligibility questions after reading these instructions, please send an email to [email protected]. If you have technical issues, contact Submittable by clicking the "?" in the upper right or lower left of the form.
IF ADMITTED, you will receive a SECOND FORM to collect your booth fee. No admitted vendor will be allowed to set up until booth fees are paid.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ARTISAN OBLIGATIONS
Only Artists accompanying their original work may participate in the festival. Booth displays must remain intact until the show ends. Each booth must be manned at all times during the festival. The festival will be held Rain or Shine. Artisans should be prepared for inclement weather conditions.
BOOTHS
- Booth fees will be $150/booth, or $125/booth for early applicants. Booth size is 10’ x 10’ (limit of 3 per vendor)
- Artisans must provide their own booth structures, and are not to exceed the allowed space. Structures should be safe and adaptable to any surface irregularities in the streets and adjacent areas of the Cotton District. Weights are recommended for all canopies.
- The Cotton District Arts Festival is not responsible for the loss or damage of items. Only the artist’s original work and prints properly signed, numbered, and labeled as “Reproductions” may be hung in the booth. Prints may be also shown in flip bins clearly labeled as “Reproductions” (*).
- Booth space may be shared by a maximum of two artists. One application should be completed. The Main Contact Artist will receive notification letter and booth package. Each artist must submit images of their work. Artists may purchase more than one booth.
- Final booth locations and instructions will be provided prior to the festival. Set up will begin at 5:00 a.m. the morning of the festival and should be completed by 8:00 a.m. After 8:00 a.m. streets will be closed. Booth locations are the sole discretion of the Artisans Village committee.
Each artist / artist pair must submit 5 high resolution JPEG images. Your answer to General Information above should include a description of each image for reference. ALL APPLICANTS must submit images for consideration.
SALES TAX
YOU MUST COLLECT, REPORT, AND PAY SALES TAX ON THE DAY OF THE FESTIVAL. CDAF will provide all necessary tax information and forms. Sales Tax may be paid with CHECK or CASH ONLY.
Set Up / Take Down
Set up is SATURDAY ONLY. With car: 5am to 8am. On foot: 8am to 9am. Breakdown is SATURDAY ONLY beginning at 5pm. No cars will be allowed within the festival gates before 5pm. Vendors may not start taking down until the end of the festival. Sales Tax MUST be paid before leaving the festival.
For additional questions about the Artisan Village, please contact [email protected].
DEADLINE: March 1, 2025
Juried Art Show Additional Rules
Juried Art Show Additional Rules
NOTE: If you wish to participate in the ARTISAN'S VILLAGE as a vendor to sell your work from a booth, you must also submit in that category.
This is for the Juried Arts Exhibit, which is a competitive fine art show where pieces are listed for sale in a gallery setting. Judging occurs in 2 phases: 1) acceptance to the show and 2) competition for prizes at the show. Starkville Area Arts Council and the Cotton District Arts Festival encourages submissions that reflect a diversity of talent, perspective, and medium. Show us what you've got!
The Juried Arts Extended Show runs from April 9 - April 21, 2025, and will be located in in the cotton District at the Visual Arts Center (808 University Dr., Starkville MS 39759).
2025 JUROR: Kaleena Stasiak
RULES:
SAAC and CDAF and the Juror reserve the right to remove any piece from the Juried Art Show that, in their judgment, fails to adhere to the rules. This ensures equitable treatment of all submissions, while also maintaining the integrity of the Juried Art Show as a professional experience for both artists, buyers, and the public. Works must be your original work, created within the past 3 years, and must be submitted in any of these 3 categories:
SAAC and CDAF will host a public reception on the night before the festival: Friday, April 18, 2025, handle sales of art, collect and report sales taxes. Artists keep 80% of the sale for any work sold during the Exhibit (including the Extended Show). 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.
Accepted artworks must be delivered to the VAC on April 4. 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. More details will be provided upon acceptance.
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.
DEADLINE: February 23, 2025
This is for the Juried Arts Exhibit, which is a competitive fine art show where pieces are listed for sale in a gallery setting. Judging occurs in 2 phases: 1) acceptance to the show and 2) competition for prizes at the show. Starkville Area Arts Council and the Cotton District Arts Festival encourages submissions that reflect a diversity of talent, perspective, and medium. Show us what you've got!
The Juried Arts Extended Show runs from April 9 - April 21, 2025, and will be located in in the cotton District at the Visual Arts Center (808 University Dr., Starkville MS 39759).
2025 JUROR: Kaleena Stasiak
RULES:
SAAC and CDAF and the Juror reserve the right to remove any piece from the Juried Art Show that, in their judgment, fails to adhere to the rules. This ensures equitable treatment of all submissions, while also maintaining the integrity of the Juried Art Show as a professional experience for both artists, buyers, and the public. Works must be your original work, created within the past 3 years, and must be submitted in any of these 3 categories:
- 2D (Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media)
- Photography & Graphic Design
- 3D (anything in three dimensions)
- No piece may extend more than 48" on any one side, and no piece may weigh more than 75 lbs.
- This exhibit is open to artists any age. Any medium. No theme.
- One work/piece per submission. You may submit multiple times, but no more than 3 pieces will be admitted for any single artist. You may submit as many times as you wish. Each work may be submitted only to one category. An artist may submit other pieces to other genre/categories OR multiple works to the same category.
- Works accepted to previous CDAF Juried Art Exhibits or Art in Public Places shows may not be submitted again.
- Works created using Artificial Intelligence will not be accepted.
- Works accepted into the Juried Art Show will compete for monetary prizes. Prize amounts vary based upon funding. Previously, prizes have ranged from $50 to $1,000. Please send us an image for each work to be considered for the Juried Art Show.
- Upon acceptance, works must be delivered gallery ready (framed or gallery wrapped and ready to hang with wire ONLY). Wire hangers may not be attached with glue or adhesive. Works are marked for sale. You'll receive further instructions upon acceptance. NOTE: Diptych, Triptych, and Sets (ceramics, pottery): if considered one piece, then these must be submitted, labeled and priced as one piece.
SAAC and CDAF will host a public reception on the night before the festival: Friday, April 18, 2025, handle sales of art, collect and report sales taxes. Artists keep 80% of the sale for any work sold during the Exhibit (including the Extended Show). 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.
Accepted artworks must be delivered to the VAC on April 4. 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. More details will be provided upon acceptance.
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.
DEADLINE: February 23, 2025
Music Stages Additional Rules
Music Stages Additional Rules
Want to be considered as an act for our Music Stage? Then fill out this form and we'll follow up with you!
*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 [email protected]
DEADLINE: March 9, 2025
*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 [email protected]
DEADLINE: March 9, 2025
singer SONGWRITER COMPETITION SHOWCASE RULES
Singer Songwriter Competition Showcase Rules
Thank you for submitting to the 2025 Cotton District Arts Festival Singer Songwriter Competition Showcase! The top 10 applicants will be selected to compete in a live performance date on March 1, 2025, at Starkville Community Theater AT 4 PM.
DEADLINE: February 15, 2025 @ MIDNIGHT
This contest is free to apply to!
- 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.
- Top 3 winners of the Showcase will be invited to perform at #CDAF2025 in a 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, 2025 @ MIDNIGHT
This contest is free to apply to!
Taste of Starkville Additional Rules (Food vendors)
Taste of Starkville Additional Rules |
for Food Vendors
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I have read the guidelines above and will adhere to them. The Taste of Starkville at the Cotton District Arts Festival is a collaboration of local restaurants, food trucks and festival/market food vendors. The mission of the Taste of Starkville is to provide CDAF attendees with a quality food and drink experience from local vendors. The goal of the ToS committee is to recruit food vendors that offer quality products, unique menu items, and a diverse variety of culinary options that appeal to all festival attendees. Consistent with the Artisan's Village, no two vendors are alike.
NEW APPLICANTS: The Taste of Starkville is open to existing restaurants, food trucks and community market/festival food vendors. All new vendors are subject to approval by the Taste of Starkville committee. If you are located in Oktibbeha County and interested in becoming a Taste of Starkville food vendor at the 2025 Cotton District Arts Festival, please use this form to submit your business information to the ToS Committee. You will be contacted by a committee member within 2 days with more information regarding the approval process.
DEADLINE: March 2, 2025 @ MIDNIGHT
PREVIOUS TASTE OF STARKVILLE VENDORS: Please contact the Taste of Starkville Chair directly for the submission form. Taste of Starkville Mission Taste of Starkville is dedicated to providing CDAF attendees with a quality food and drink experience as well as a successful day for our food vendors. The goal of the committee is to recruit food vendors that offer quality products, unique menu items, and a variety of culinary options that appeal to all festival attendees.
DEADLINE: March 9, 2025 @ MIDNIGHT
Primary Menu Item(s) Approval
Beverage Sales:
Booth Size
*****REGISTRATION FINAL DEADLINE - March 9, 2025*****
NEW APPLICANTS: The Taste of Starkville is open to existing restaurants, food trucks and community market/festival food vendors. All new vendors are subject to approval by the Taste of Starkville committee. If you are located in Oktibbeha County and interested in becoming a Taste of Starkville food vendor at the 2025 Cotton District Arts Festival, please use this form to submit your business information to the ToS Committee. You will be contacted by a committee member within 2 days with more information regarding the approval process.
DEADLINE: March 2, 2025 @ MIDNIGHT
PREVIOUS TASTE OF STARKVILLE VENDORS: Please contact the Taste of Starkville Chair directly for the submission form. Taste of Starkville Mission Taste of Starkville is dedicated to providing CDAF attendees with a quality food and drink experience as well as a successful day for our food vendors. The goal of the committee is to recruit food vendors that offer quality products, unique menu items, and a variety of culinary options that appeal to all festival attendees.
DEADLINE: March 9, 2025 @ MIDNIGHT
Primary Menu Item(s) Approval
- In an ongoing effort to keep the selection of food items diverse, all primary menu items must be approved by the ToS committee.
- Priority regarding menu items will be given to vendors that have participated in the ToS for the most years.
- New food vendors must present menu items that are not already being offered by veteran food vendors. We have found that this approach HELPS ALL FOOD VENDORS AND IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF THE FESTIVAL.
Beverage Sales:
- All ToS vendors are permitted to sell any sort of specialty drinks such as: lemonade, brewed iced tea, coffee, etc... If you plan to sell soft drinks and/or bottled water, these drinks must be purchased from Clark Beverage. If you do not have a relationship with Clark Beverage already, we can provide you with the appropriate contact information. Out of respect for our sponsor, for your fellow ToS vendors, and for community attendees, we will set a price for those drinks.
- ALCOHOL CAN be sold from your booth, but you must obtain your own permits for this and privde us with oriif of permit. If you sell beer or alcohol without a permit, then you will bear full responsibility for any penalties assessed to SAAC or CDAF. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Booth Size
- Booth Fee & Deadline Full Booths -$350.00. Trailers deeper than 12’ are not allowed.
- Additional 10': +$150
- Half Booths - 10' X 12' (pre-packaged food vendors only): $125. Electricity WILL NOT be available for these spaces: $125
- Set up is SATURDAY ONLY. With car: 5am to 8am. On foot: 8am to 9am.
- Breakdown is SATURDAY ONLY beginning at 2:30 pm. No cars will be allowed within the festival gates before 2:30 pm.
- Garbage and Garbage Disposal CDAF will provide trash cans throughout the festival area. You are required to bring at least one large trash container and liners for your area. These will be emptied during the day by CDAF volunteers, but you will be responsible for your final trash disposal.
- If trash, leftover food, cooking materials, etc, remain in your booth area after breakdown, a $100 cleaning fee will be assessed.
- YOU MUST COLLECT, REPORT, AND PAY SALES TAX ON THE DAY OF THE FESTIVAL. CDAF will provide all necessary tax information and forms.
- All food vendors at CDAF MUST have a health permit in order to vend at CDAF. This is for insurance liability purposes.
- Permits, Health and Fire Regulations Safe serving practices are important! Hand washing, gloves, and applicable health permits are your responsibility. You must submit a copy of a current health permit with your application.
- If you have an open flame in your booth you MUST have a fire extinguisher!
- Other Restrictions: No food vendor merchandise (T-shirts, etc.) may be sold at vendor booths. Only CDAF official merchandise is sold at the festival.
*****REGISTRATION FINAL DEADLINE - March 9, 2025*****