From singing to visual art, U.S. military veterans use creative expression to transform their lives at Path with Art, a nonprofit organization in Seattle, Washington and a 2022 Creative Forces Community Engagement grant recipient.

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. 

Dance is a powerful form of expression and can be a tool for people dealing with trauma. Read this story about how the Exit12 Dance Company uses dance as a medium for expressing the experiences of veterans and promoting healing from the physical and emotional scars of war.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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