Our Purpose
Students in the Arts Alliance (SITAA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the future of the arts by connecting student creativity with community. We believe young artists deserve visibility, opportunity, and a public stage.
What We Believe
Creativity is a catalyst for community connection, and students truly thrive when given real platforms to lead and create. To support this dynamic, public spaces should be accessible, inclusive, and alive with youth expression, demonstrating that arts education is ultimately essential to a thriving, equitable future.
Our Approach
SITAA partners with schools, colleges, arts organizations, and civic leaders to transform parks, plazas, and public spaces into youth‑led arts experiences. Through performances, public art, and educational opportunities, we empower students while enriching the cultural life of Northeast Florida.
Our Leadership
SITAA is based in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and led by Executive Director Kurtis Loftus, alongside seasonal staff, volunteers, and a dedicated working board. Together, we reinvest locally, support volunteerism, and strengthen the region’s creative ecosystem.
Our Story
In 2013, Deck The Chairs (DTC) was created to bring a new winter holiday tradition to the Jacksonville Beaches. Inspired by the area’s historic lifeguard chairs—symbols of service, community, and coastal heritage—the idea emerged to transform these iconic chairs into works of art that celebrate creativity and the spirit of the season.
DTC’s first exhibit, held in Latham Plaza, was organized by founder Kurtis Loftus alongside 18 local business partners. What began as a small community display quickly captured the imagination of residents and visitors alike.
Over the years, Deck The Chairs has grown from a beloved holiday event into a powerful platform supporting youth arts throughout Northeast Florida, impacting thousands of young artists each year.
In 2026, the Board of Directors, together with Kurtis, took the next step in expanding this mission by launching Students in the Arts Alliance (SITAA). This nonprofit organization is dedicated to empowering young creators by providing opportunities to learn, perform, and grow as the next generation of creative leaders.
Deck The Chairs will remain our flagship event—celebrating community, creativity, and the magic of the holidays. Students in the Arts Alliance represents the future of our commitment to the arts.