Honoring Service Through Creativity: Veterans Creative Arts Program

The Veterans Creative Arts Program believes in the power of creativity to heal, connect, and inspire. The mission is to provide veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families with access to enriching art-based programs that foster expression, community, and well-being.

“Together, we foster environments that not only empower veterans, military personnel, first responders, and their families through the arts but also bridge the gap between communities, creating jobs that encourage teaching artists to share their unique gifts with our community. We are thankful to create a space for collaboration, trust, and growth.” – Cammeron Batanides, Veterans Creative Arts Program President

This spring, The Endowment awarded a $5,000 Community Grant to expand classes and workshops, as well as a $5,000 Capacity Grant to strengthen the program’s growth through funding for grant writing. These grants help ensure that veterans, military personnel, and first responders have opportunities to explore a variety of creative outlets, including painting, sculpture, photography, and creative writing, in a safe and supportive environment.

Art is more than a hobby; it is a powerful tool for healing, particularly for those navigating service-related trauma such as PTSD and traumatic brain injury. Through these programs, participants can connect with peers, discover new talents, and find inspiration through the creative process.

Partnerships are key to building stronger communities, and the Veterans Creative Arts Program collaborates with the City of Wilmington and other local organizations to showcase participants’ work at events throughout the year. These collaborations highlight the artistic talents of those who have served while bringing the wider community together in support and celebration.

The Endowment is proud to invest in initiatives like this that honor the service and creativity of veterans, military personnel, and first responders. By supporting programs like the Veterans Creative Arts Program, we are helping build a stronger, more connected New Hanover County, one work of art at a time.

🔗 Learn more about the Veterans Creative Arts Program: https://www.veteranscreativearts.org/https://theendowment.org/grantees/veterans-creative-arts-program/

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