News

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

Recent news, announcements, and stories

A woman in a black winter coat helps two young girls with an art project. The girls are focused on a colorful bowl-shaped container on the wooden table. Various paint bottles and art supplies surround them.

April 2025|Stories

How a Local Children’s Museum Partnered with America’s Largest Military Family Base

Based in Pierce County, Washington, JBLM is the largest joint base in the United States. The 63,000-acre installation is home to 110,000 people, including 40,000 active duty service members and 60,000 family members. Greentrike, a 2024 Creative Forces Community Engagement grant recipient, is opening doors for creativity and connection in this large military community.

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 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.

A photo collage of individuals, groups, and families of all ages, from children to older adults, participating in a variety of arts activities.

November 2024|Announcement

Applications Now Open for Grants to Support Arts Projects for Military-Connected Individuals

The National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with Mid-America Arts Alliance, has released guidelines and application materials for the Creative Forces Community Engagement grant program, part of the Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network. Grants support non-clinical, community-based arts engagement programming for military and veteran populations, including family members and caregivers. Applications are now available on maaa.org/CreativeForces. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, January 15, 2025.