Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network works to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for military and veteran populations exposed to trauma, as well as their families and caregivers. Read more about us.

News

Explore recent news, announcements, and stories from Creative Forces.

Recent news, announcements, and stories

A large group of people pose for a photo in a bright auditorium with rows of white seats. Most are standing, while a few are sitting on tiered platforms. An American flag is visible in the background. The setting is clean and professional.
March 2025|Event

Bridging the Gap from Military to Civilian Life through the Arts
In February 2025, Creative Forces® Community Engagement grant recipients and leaders from across the nation filled the halls of the National Endowment for the Arts with energy, passion, and shared purpose. It was the third annual convening—a powerful meeting of minds and hearts. Over 120 clinical art therapists, subject matter experts, program staff, and arts organizations serving military-connected communities throughout the country came together to share their stories. The Creative Forces convening was an inspiring and humbling reminder that art can change lives—and that change is already happening. 
A white woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing glasses, is smiling and seated in an art studio. Colorful art materials and tools are on the table in front of her.
June 2024|Stories

A conversation with Clare Shepherd, Army veteran and glass artist
Clare Shepherd is a retired Army captain who discovered her passion for glass art after spending eight years in the military. Shepherd has found joy in connecting other veterans to art. She is also a teaching artist at Maryland Hall, a 2023 Creative Forces Community Engagement Grantee.
A multi-color tile mosaic with text in the center that says: Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world. In the center of the text is an image of an Army boot and a red high heel in the center. The center image is surrounded by square tiles that depict images from nature, people, and sayings such as "power and equality" and "puppie love."
August 2024|Stories

Uniting veterans through art: COSACOSA’s Community Engagement Grant Project
A 2023 Creative Forces Community Engagement Grant enabled COSACOSA at large to expand its reach, fostering creative expression and social connection for veterans in the Philadelphia area. Serving Justice, the organization’s Creative Forces-supported military arts program, culminated in a veteran-led mosaic project, spoken word album, and poetry chapbook.
A black woman wearing a white sleeveless gown is seated and holding a microphone while singing. A blue stage curtain and an American flag are in the background.
May 2024|Stories

A conversation with veteran and jazz vocalist Angela Walker
Jazz vocalist and Navy veteran Angela Walker shares her journey from battling health challenges to discovering the healing power of music. Angela has been a featured performer and competitor at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, winning more than ten times. She has also found a community through the arts and enjoys performing for veterans and active-duty service members.

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