WASHINGTON — Nearly 120 Veterans from across the country will participate in the National Creative Arts Festival in Buffalo, New York, beginning Oct. 23.
The festival is hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Western New York Healthcare System and will culminate with an art and writing exhibition and stage show performance on Oct. 29.
“Veterans at the Creative Arts Festival are an example of the tremendously talented men and women who have worn the uniform in service of our nation,” said VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. “The festival is a chance to recognize the progress and recovery of Veterans who are accessing VA’s art and music therapy programs, and represents VA’s continued commitment to providing a full spectrum of health-care options.”
Attendees can view the work of featured artists and meet featured writers from noon to 1:45 p.m. Oct. 29 in the Atrium Lobby of the Center for the Arts on the campus of the University at Buffalo. Performing artists will present a stage show at 2 p.m. Oct. 29 in the Center for the Arts, Mainstage Theatre. Tickets are free to the public and can be obtained by calling 716-862-6814.
The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is sponsored by VA and the American Legion Auxiliary. The festival features selected winners of year-long, national, fine-arts talent competitions at VA medical facilities across the nation, in which nearly 3,500 Veterans participated. During the festival, Veterans participate in workshops, rehearsals and artistic interaction sessions, and the culminating event — Sunday’s exhibition and stage show performance.
Participating in the festival encourages artistic expression for Veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological issues, among other therapeutic benefits.
The festival relies heavily on the outstanding support provided by numerous American Legion Auxiliary volunteers. For more information, visit www.creativeartsfestival.va.gov.
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Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
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