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Staten Island Foundation Diamond Matching Grant

Sajda Musawwir Ladner faithfully and exuberantly served as UTA's Artistic and Executive Director for almost 40 years. Under her stewardship, UTA became a cornerstone of arts education for young members of the New Brighton community and beyond, offering hands-on, experiential, and creative programs that uplift, enlighten, inspire, and facilitate unique learning and enrichment opportunities that only the arts can foster – always without charge.

Sajda Musawwir's passion was to ensure that UTA would always remain a resource for the New Brighton community, and she championed the purchase of the building that housed many of UTA’s programs. Up to the moment of her untimely death, she worked to ensure the future of UTA at 425 Jersey Street, developing a plan to secure ownership of the building and renovate it so it would continue to serve as a place to "quicken the creative spirit in the individual and the community and foster brotherly love."

“Miss Sajda” touched the lives of many youth, families and community members through her tireless work. Whether you knew her personally or felt the ripple of her influence through art, jazz, education, or advocacy, this is a moment to help solidify the enduring imprint she has left on Staten Island. In Sajda Musawwir's honor, a fund has been created to support that goal. Through a Diamond Matching Grant from the Staten Island Foundation, every dollar donated will be matched 2:1, effectively tripling any contribution to UTA through June 30, 2026 to support our cultural offerings, general operations and the continued restoration of the Sajda Musawwir Ladner Cultural Center at 425 Jersey Street. Our goal is to raise $100,000 by June 30, 2026.