Calling all songwriters in Walton County!
Think you have what it takes? Sign up to compete and let your music be heard!
The Made in Walton County - Songwriters Showdown, presented by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, is your chance to showcase your talent, share your story, and compete for cash prizes plus a guaranteed spot in the 2026 30A Songwriters Festival.
We’re looking for songwriters of all genres and ages to take the stage at The Pavilion at Watersound Town Center on Thursday, April 3 2025 and perform their original music in front of a live audience. Each artist will have up to 10 minutes to captivate the crowd with their songs and storytelling.
How it Works:
- You will have up to 10 minutes between 6-8 p.m. to perform your original music live.
- Engage with the audience by sharing the inspiration behind your songs - whether it’s heartfelt, comical, raw or uplifting. Give the crowd a glimpse into the emotions, experiences or unexpected moments that shaped your music.
- Fans will vote for their favorite performance throughout the event.
- Each accepted songwriter or group will receive $100 the night of the event.
- The winners will be announced at the end of the Showdown. Winners will receive cash prizes totaling $2500 and will be guaranteed a slot into other CAA events in 2025-2026. Top winners will also receive a 1-year CAA artist membership package.
Performance Set-Up & Artist Requirements:
- We will provide a stage, lighting, on-site sound engineer and sound system for easy plug and play. If you have specific tech requirements, please include them in your application.
- Songwriters are responsible for bringing their own instruments and any additional equipment needed for their set.
- Songwriters must be able to set-up and breakdown within 10 minutes. Please keep this in mind when applying.
Submission Requirements:
- Songwriter must be a current resident of Walton County.
- Songwriters must submit a lyric sheet for 1-2 songs they are entering.
- Songwriters must submit an audio recording electronically (MP3, MP4 or WMA format) OR by link to an audio recording.
- Songwriters must only submit 1-2 songs.
- Songs must be at least one minute in length and no more than 5 minutes.
- Only 1 song will be selected to perform if invited to participate.
- Songwriters entering can be a solo, duo or trio. The songwriter who submits the application will be deemed the individual eligible prize winner for prize receipt.
- Lyrics must be completely original.
- Backup tracks are not permitted.
- Judging will be up to the live audience and announced at the end of the event. All songwriters must stick around until the end of the show.
Application Deadlines:
Applications Open: Monday, Feb 24
Applications Close: Thursday, March 13
Invitations to Participate: Friday, March 14
Acceptance of Invitation: Friday, March 21
For questions, please email CAA's Director of Events:
Allie Anderson | allie@culturalartsalliance.com
The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County seeks emerging and established visual artists for its Public Artist Directory.
Selected applicants are eligible for inclusion on the CAA's Art in Public Spaces web page. This database will be shared for participation in various Walton County projects, and artists may be contracted to design, fabricate, and install public art. Artwork sites may include properties such as local businesses, libraries, recreation centers, parks, sidewalks, and more.
Artists will be selected for the database based on history of past work, community engagement, and ability to collaborate with the CAA employees and project liaisons. A selection panel will convene to screen all eligible applications.
For questions, contact Courtney Malone at courtney@culturalartsalliance.com
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Letter of Interest
- Current Resume or C/V
- Artist Bio
- Minimum Three (3) Examples of Previous Projects
- Work Description: image, title, media, date, dimensions, location (if site-specific), materials, project budget, commissioning entity
- Three (3) References
Scholarships are available to outgoing high school seniors, current college students of Walton County, or past graduates of Walton County public, private and home schools who have declared or intend to declare a major in the visual, literary or performing arts at the undergraduate level. There is no deadline to apply, and applications will be reviewed by committee quarterly. The Susan Foster Scholarship, Karen Kolenberg Scholarship and Sheila Goode Scholarship are available. Deadline: May 15, 2025
ANNUAL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA:
- Application must be completed in full and received by published deadline.
- Applicant must be a resident of Walton County at the time of application.
- Applicant must have declared or intend to declare a major in and arts or humanities related field.
- Awards will range from $500 - $2,000 per year per applicant.
- Funds will be distributed directly to the award winner’s college or university.
- Applicants may apply once per calendar year even if an award has been received previously.
If you have any questions about this application, please contact Lee Greene at Lee@culturalartsalliance.com.
The CAA is requesting feedback once your project has completed. Please answer questions thoroughly.
The CAA is requesting feedback once your project has completed. Please answer questions thoroughly.
The CAA is requesting feedback once your project has completed. Please answer questions thoroughly.
The CAA is requesting feedback once your project has completed. Please answer questions thoroughly.
The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County's teacher grant program provides semi-annual funding for arts projects and programs in the classroom.
The purpose of the grant program is to enhance the visual, literary, and performing arts experiences of all Walton County school children (Pre K - 12th grade) in public, private 501(c)3 not-for-profit schools, and home school groups.
Approved applicants can receive a maximum award of $1,000 up to two times per year.
Grant application deadlines are November 15th for a January - May grant period and May 15th for an August - December grant period.
Grantees must provide a summary report prior to applying for subsequent grants. Summary report forms are available here. Prior Grantees must also provide receipts for the purchases before receiving additional grants.
Questions?
STAFF CONTACT:
Lee Greene
lee@culturalartsalliance.com
850-622-5970