Summer at Sitar
Mural Arts Program
Sitar’s Mural Arts Program is a paid summer internship for emerging artistic talents ages 14-24, who – employed by Sitar as part of the Department of Employment Services Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program––choose to make visual arts their focus.
In this dynamic introduction to the creative economy, mural interns collaboratively create a public art piece. Past murals can be seen forming a constellation across DC – with more than a dozen community-driven Sitar murals located everywhere from THEARC Arts Campus and Occasions Caterers headquarters to Sitar’s very own neighborhood supermarket Harris Teeter.
In 2020 and 2021, through COVID-era adaptations, mural arts interns created not one but two collaborative murals. The mural panels were made separately and safely at home, while interns received guidance from program mentors virtually. The artists then harmoniously brought their panels together, culminating in two vibrant pieces.
“When everyone sees this mural, I want them to have a reaction, to either get inspired or just feel at peace, to sit there and wonder about it – anything to get lost in its world.”
– JORDEN, 2019 Mural Arts Intern
Young artists who are interested in being a part of the mural internship program face a competitive application process, including passing a portfolio review and a formal interview. Interns who are chosen for the program experience the opportunity to hone their talents, a chance to explore the profession of a visual artist, and the mentorship and guidance of Sitar’s Chief Programs Officer and professional artist Loretta Thomspon.
To learn more about how to apply to Mural Arts, visit Sitar’s Teen Internships and Community Service page.