News

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

Recent news, announcements, and stories

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 large group of adults standing and smiling in an art gallery. Two people are kneeling. There is a black man on the left wearing a formal military uniform.

May 2024|Announcement

Creative Forces announces grants for arts engagement projects to support military-connected people

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), in partnership with Mid-America Arts Alliance, is pleased to announce the third round of recipients of Creative Forces® Community Engagement grants, supporting military, veterans, their families and caregivers, for 41 organizations in communities nationwide.

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 black woman stands at a street intersection with her hands on her hips and smiling. The street sign behind her says "Central."

May 2024|Stories

Celebrating creative arts therapies with veteran Donna Harge

Veteran Donna Harge shares her journey with art therapy and music therapy at the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System. After her military service and a career at the VA, she traveled the world. She now finds healing and joy through music and art and shares that joy with her community.

Black and white image of men and women in formal military uniforms with city buildings in the background

December 2023|Announcement

Highlights from Veterans Day 2023

Throughout the Creative Forces network, our clinical team and Community Engagement grantees honored military veterans with programs, exhibits, and performances nationwide.

An over-the-shoulder view of a black male wearing headphones while looking down at a phone he is holding.

September 2023

Music Therapy Research Award Announced

The National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF), Inc., is pleased to announce a clinical research award of $900,000 to the Indiana Institute for Medical Research, which is collaborating with the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center (Indianapolis, IN), as part of the Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network.

A group of children seated on the floor gathers with a facilitator in a circle with paint and brushes at the center.

September 2023|Announcement

National Endowment for the Arts Announces More Than $760,000 in Creative Forces Community Engagement Grants

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), in partnership with Mid-America Arts Alliance, is pleased to announce the second round of recipients of Creative Forces® Community Engagement grants, supporting military, veterans, their families and caregivers, for 34 organizations in communities nationwide.