Our Programs
The Students in the Arts Alliance offers year‑round opportunities for students to learn, perform, create, and lead. Our programs activate public spaces, expand access to arts education, and elevate youth visibility across the region.
Deck The Chairs
Deck The Chairs (DTC) is a six‑week holiday event that draws thousands of visitors to Jacksonville Beach each year. The celebration features:
• Student performances on the main stage
• Large‑scale public art installations
• Hands‑on arts‑in‑the‑park activities
• A festive, family‑friendly environment
Since 2013, DTC has spotlighted hundreds of young performers and visual artists, becoming a beloved community tradition and a powerful platform for student creativity.
Deck The Chairs is our tradition. Students in the Arts Alliance is our future.
Deck The Bins Contest
The 2026 Deck The Bins Contest invites local students to merge artistic vision with community activism. This annual flagship competition challenges young creators to transform public refuse containers into message-driven art installations that celebrate sustainability and community pride. Key dates: Applications open April 15. Finalists announced June 15th.
Rules & Guidelines
- Students In The Arts Alliance, Beaches Go Green, and Waste Pro employees plus immediate family members are not eligible to enter.
- Original artwork only. Copying and tracing will not be accepted.
- Students In The Arts Alliance and all partners are not responsible for lost, late, or misdirected entries, or incomplete/incorrect entries.
- By participating, contest entrants represent that they have complied with all Official Deck The Bins Contest Rules.
- Participants must have parental consent and grant Students In The Arts Alliance the right to use their name, city, and state.
- Participants release Students In The Arts Alliance and partners from any and all liability in connection with the Student Art Contest.
- This contest is open to students in the North Florida area only (Duval, Clay, Saint Johns, and Nassau Counties).
- Distribution of funds may take 2-4 weeks following the Deck The Bins Student Art Awards announcement.
- All submissions must be sent to info@deckthechairs.org in JPG or PDF format.
- All submissions must be completed by a parent or guardian age 18+ with correct contact information.
FloArts Talent Scholarship
In partnership with the Florida School of the Arts at St. Johns River State College, SITAA offers a scholarship for students pursuing an associate degree in visual arts for the 2026–2027 academic year. The scholarship expands access to arts education and supports emerging talent across Northeast Florida.
A thriving creative economy enhances the quality of life for us all. Supported in part by the Merit-Based Cultural Service Grant Program, administered by the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville with funding from the City of Jacksonville and our elected officials, we extend our gratitude to all partners who make this possible.
Questions?
Contact our Support Team
Email: info@sitta.org
Phone: (904) 716-3853
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST