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About Us

Vision. Mission. Values.

VISION  

A city in which all young people experience transformative moments through quality, accessible arts education and career training and are supported on their path to discover their creativity and achieve their full potential. 

MISSION  

Sitar Arts Center engages DC youth, from early childhood to young adulthood, in building a creative community of learning and belonging that removes financial and cultural barriers to arts education and career training.  


METHOD 

At Sitar Arts Center, students engage in affordable, high-quality education and workforce development in the visual, digital, and performing arts. Each semester, 80% of students are from DC households at 60% or less of the area median income. Programs take place year-round during out-of-school time in Sitar’s state-of-the-art facilities.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES   

Sitar is Student Centered
We place the children, youth, and their families at the center of our decision-making. We are dedicated to a holistic approach to creative youth development and believe in the transformational power of the arts and the potential of every child. 

Sitar is Gratitude Grounded

Sitar’s mission is upheld through intentional acts of gratitude to express our genuine appreciation for our community members and all that that we do, achieve, and experience together.  

Sitar is DEIB Committed
Sitar is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and is dedicated to being antiracist in principles, practices, and culture.  

 

OUR VALUES  

Embed EquityEmbedequity in our systems, programs, and spaces to advance social justice.  

Everyone should have equitable access to opportunities, representation, and voice.  


Foster Belonging
Fosterbelonging by engaging, supporting, and celebrating our diverse community members throughgenuine and meaningful relationships.  

Everyone deserves a welcoming space where they can feel like they belong. 


Prioritize Balance
Prioritize balance between the mental, emotional, physical, and creative well-being within ourselves and our fellow community members. 

Everyone deserves the opportunity and support to prioritize wellness within their lives. 

 
Build TrustBuild trust by assuming positive intentions and taking ownership of our words, actions, responsibilities, and commitments.  

Everyone benefits when we approach relationships with openness and commit to follow through. 

   
Inspire TransformationInspire transformation by listening to, learning from, and growing with our community and the world around us. 

Everyone can be a student, and anyone can be a teacher. 


Encourage CollaborationEncourage collaboration with thoughtful and clear communication, a curious mind, and a creative spirit. 

Everyone benefits when we work together as a team.