Deck The Chairs recently announced the launch of Students in the Arts Alliance (SITAA), a new nonprofit organization created to expand year-round arts programming and elevate student artists across Northeast Florida.
SITAA advances the future of the arts by connecting student creativity with community through public arts and educational initiatives. The organization will oversee Deck The Chairs as its flagship program while developing additional opportunities for student artists throughout the year.
“Deck The Chairs is our tradition, and Students in the Arts Alliance is our future,” said Kurtis Loftus, executive director. “This new direction allows us to support student artists year round and strengthen the role of youth creativity in our community.”
As part of SITAA’s expanded mission, the organization is offering accessible, year-round arts opportunities including the inaugural FloArts Talent Scholarship supporting students pursuing visual arts studies in partnership with the Florida School of the Arts, and the second annual Deck The Bins Art Contest opening April 22.
More information on both can be found at the new SITAA website: www.sitaa.org. Additional offerings are expected to be announced later in the year.
The Deck The Chairs event will continue its six-week holiday programming in partnership with the City of Jacksonville Beach, showcasing student performances, visual arts and hands-on activities that draw thousands of visitors each season.