Students in the Arts Alliance Launches Second Annual “Deck The Bins” Student Art Contest

Students in the Arts Alliance (SITAA), the nonprofit organization behind the beloved Deck The Chairs holiday event, today announced the launch of the second annual Deck The Bins Art Contest. The contest opens today and invites students across Northeast Florida to design artwork that will be reproduced on wooden trash bins throughout Jacksonville Beach, transforming everyday public spaces into platforms for youth creativity.

Deck The Bins is part of SITAA’s expanded mission to advance the future of the arts by connecting student creativity with community through public arts and educational initiatives. The program supports SITAA’s commitment to year-round arts engagement by offering accessible opportunities for students to create, contribute, and be celebrated in high-visibility public settings.

The contest, held in partnership with the City of Jacksonville Beach and Waste Pro, is designed to promote environmental awareness while showcasing student art. Students ages 8–18 are encouraged to participate and submit their designs before May 6 for a chance to be one of the 72 winning designs. Each will receive a $100 award and be featured on wooden trash bins located throughout Jacksonville Beach.

“Deck The Bins is a powerful example of how student art can shape and energize our public spaces,” said Kurtis Loftus, Executive Director of SITAA. “This program gives young artists a meaningful platform while strengthening community pride and environmental awareness.”

Contest details and submission guidelines are available at: https://www.sitaa.org/2026-deck-the-bins-contest-application.

Media Availability & Assets:
Executive Director Kurtis Loftus is available for interviews regarding the Deck The Bins contest and SITAA’s year-round student arts programming.
Phone: 904-716-3853; Email: info@deckthechairs.org

SITAA and its flagship program Deck The Chairs are 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 the City’s elected officials.

ABOUT STUDENTS IN THE ARTS ALLIANCE:
Students in the Arts Alliance (SITAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, dedicated to advancing the future of the arts by connecting student creativity with community through public arts and educational initiatives. Through a growing network of partners, SITAA transforms free and accessible public spaces into youth-led arts experiences that empower students, activate parks and plazas, and engage thousands of visitors each year. The organization oversees the nationally recognized holiday tradition Deck The Chairs as its flagship program and supports additional year-round opportunities. For more information, visit: www.sitaa.org.