Partnering with Sitar Arts Center to Empower DC Youth Through the Arts
Supporting EducationThe Gatsby Showcase Foundation is committed to empowering historically marginalized communities by expanding access to education, opportunity, and pathways to economic independence. We believe true empowerment begins with access access to resources, mentorship, and environments that inspire creativity, confidence, and long-term success.
In 2025, the Foundation proudly partnered with Sitar Arts Center in Washington, DC, providing more than $8,000 in sponsorship support to advance Sitar’s mission of delivering affordable, high-quality arts education and workforce development opportunities across the visual, digital, and performing arts.
2025 captured moment from Sitar Arts Center, where young artists like Mayera B. are supported through creative expression. The Gatsby Showcase Foundation is proud to partner with Sitar in expanding access to arts education for DC youth.
Expanding Access to Arts Education and Opportunity
Sitar Arts Center serves youth from early childhood through young adulthood, cultivating a community of learning and belonging that removes financial and cultural barriers to participation in the arts. Each semester, approximately 80% of Sitar’s students come from DC households earning 60% or less of the area median income, yet they benefit from world-class facilities, dedicated mentors, and year-round programming designed to nurture both artistic talent and personal growth.
Through after-school programs, summer sessions, and career-focused training, Sitar equips students with creative, technical, and professional skills that prepare them for future academic achievement and workforce participation.
Arts as a Pathway to Education and Economic Mobility
This partnership reflects the Gatsby Showcase Foundation’s belief that the arts are a powerful vehicle for education, leadership development, and economic mobility. By investing in organizations like Sitar Arts Center, the Foundation supports young people in building confidence, discipline, and transferable skills that extend well beyond the classroom.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this work advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) by expanding access to enriching educational experiences and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by strengthening pathways into the creative economy.
Investing in Futures, Not Just Programs
Our collaboration with Sitar Arts Center embodies the Foundation’s core values to inspire, empower, and achieve. Together, we are helping young people in Washington, DC discover their voices, sharpen their skills, and envision futures shaped by possibility rather than limitation.
We are honored to stand alongside Sitar Arts Center in their work of transforming lives through creativity and opportunity. To learn more about their mission, visit www.sitarartscenter.org.
Together, we are not just funding programs we are investing in futures.
UN SDG Alignment
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SDG 4 – Quality Education: Expanding access to high-quality arts education, mentorship, and career-ready skill development for youth from underserved communities.
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SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Supporting workforce pathways into the creative economy by building transferable skills and professional readiness.
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SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Reducing financial and cultural barriers that limit access to education and opportunity for low-income students.
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SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Advancing impact through collaboration with community-based arts institutions such as Sitar Arts Center.
Expanding Access to Arts Education and Opportunity
Sitar Arts Center serves youth from early childhood through young adulthood, cultivating a community of learning and belonging that removes financial and cultural barriers to participation in the arts. Each semester, approximately 80% of Sitar’s students come from DC households earning 60% or less of the area median income, yet they benefit from world-class facilities, dedicated mentors, and year-round programming designed to nurture both artistic talent and personal growth.
Through after-school programs, summer sessions, and career-focused training, Sitar equips students with creative, technical, and professional skills that prepare them for future academic achievement and workforce participation.
Arts as a Pathway to Education and Economic Mobility
This partnership reflects the Gatsby Showcase Foundation’s belief that the arts are a powerful vehicle for education, leadership development, and economic mobility. By investing in organizations like Sitar Arts Center, the Foundation supports young people in building confidence, discipline, and transferable skills that extend well beyond the classroom.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this work advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) by expanding access to enriching educational experiences and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by strengthening pathways into the creative economy.
Investing in Futures, Not Just Programs
Our collaboration with Sitar Arts Center embodies the Foundation’s core values to inspire, empower, and achieve. Together, we are helping young people in Washington, DC discover their voices, sharpen their skills, and envision futures shaped by possibility rather than limitation.
We are honored to stand alongside Sitar Arts Center in their work of transforming lives through creativity and opportunity. To learn more about their mission, visit www.sitarartscenter.org.
Together, we are not just funding programs we are investing in futures.
UN SDG Alignment
-
SDG 4 – Quality Education: Expanding access to high-quality arts education, mentorship, and career-ready skill development for youth from underserved communities.
-
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Supporting workforce pathways into the creative economy by building transferable skills and professional readiness.
-
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Reducing financial and cultural barriers that limit access to education and opportunity for low-income students.
-
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Advancing impact through collaboration with community-based arts institutions such as Sitar Arts Center.
2025 captured moment from Sitar Arts Center, where young artists like Mayera B. are supported through creative expression. The Gatsby Showcase Foundation is proud to partner with Sitar in expanding access to arts education for DC youth.