This new report identifies potential topics in need of research, as well as resources and actions to support that research. The report is designed to inspire collaboration, innovation, and investment in research on creative arts therapies to improve outcomes for military and veteran populations.

Creative Forces: Healing the Invisible Wounds of War was originally organized by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the National Museum of Health and Medicine, a division of the Defense Health Agency Research and Development Directorate. The exhibit was developed at the request of former Second Lady Karen Pence to commemorate Creative Arts Therapies Week 2020.

Explore veteran artwork and perspectives, as well as related research, on how creative arts therapies can provide a pathway to healing from wartime trauma.

In 2018, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University was commissioned by Creative Forces to conduct a literature review and needs assessment to understand how arts programming can effectively address the needs of various military-connected individuals.

An inventory of Creative Forces published research and scholarly manuscripts as of August 2024. Each listing includes the open access link for the article.