2024 National Veterans Creative Arts Competition - Bay Pines VAHCS
Medical facilities across the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) use the creative arts as a form of rehabilitative treatment to help our Veterans recover from, and cope with, physical and emotional disabilities. Each year, thousands of Veterans from across the country submit original works to their local VA facility. Gold medalists are then selected and the fruit of their efforts are displayed during the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, which recognizes the progress and recovery made through therapy while raising the visibility of the creative achievements of our nation’s Veterans.
We are now accepting entries for the 2024 National Veterans Creative Arts Competition- Bay Pines VAHCS! The deadline for submitting artwork is different for each category. Please read below for more information.
Our in-person showcase will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2024, on the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center campus in the J.C. Cobb Room (bldg. 100, room 1D-127). A virtual showcase will be made available at the conclusion of the event. Finalists from each category of the local competition will be submitted into, and compete, in the National Veterans Creative Arts Competition. Results of the National Competition will be available in January 2025.
To view the virtual gallery from the 2023 competition, please click here.
Important Reminders
Please complete all pages of the entry form(s) and one consent form per Veteran. If you need additional forms, feel free to copy them, or contact one of the coordinators listed below. The following reminders are provided to assist with your submission(s).
Artists | Artwork Reminders
There are many changes to the art categories this year! Be sure to look carefully and see what category your pieces may fit into.
- Submission deadline is Friday, July 12, 2024, at 3 p.m.
- All pieces must have been created after Oct. 1, 2023.
- We will begin to collect art after June 15. After that date, please contact one of the coordinators listed below to schedule an appointment to drop off your work.
- It is highly recommended that all paintings, drawings, photographs, graphics, collages, and digital art be framed in a way that enhances the piece; frames with glass must use plexiglass, not glass.
- Complete the art entry form with as much detail about medium or materials used as possible. This information is shared with the judges while they are scoring each entry. Do not include information about diagnoses, medical conditions or other personal information, as this will not be shared with the judges - the exception to this is for the Special Recognition categories.
- Contact one of the coordinators to schedule an appointment to drop off your artwork.
- Art can be picked up at 3 p.m. on the day of the show, or after July 23, 2024, by appointment.
Musicians, Actors, and Dancers | Recording Reminders
- Submission deadline is Friday, June 7, 2024 at 3 p.m. All entries must be videotaped and recorded after Oct. 1, 2023.
- The use of backing tracks and accompaniment tracks is permitted, but no vocals should be included
- You can submit your own live recording of your performance. Contact Erin Todd for more information on how to submit. You may also schedule an appointment to record your submission at the C.W.Y campus on Friday, June 7, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. You must reserve a time no later than June 3, 2024.
- If you need assistance recording your entry, contact Erin Todd no later than June 4, 2024.
Creative Writers | Reminders
- Submission deadline is Friday, June 14, 2024 at 3 p.m.
- Entries must be submitted via email with an attached, editable document (i.e. Microsoft Word) to VHABAYArtShow@va.gov. PDF, scans, or handwritten entries will not be accepted. If you need assistance, please contact a coordinator no later than June 1, 2024.
If you have any questions, please contact one of the following coordinators:
Email: VHABAYArtShow@va.gov
Erin Todd, MT-BC:
Jessica D’Alessio, CTRS:
Jenny Campbell, CTRS:
More About the National Veterans Creative Arts Competition
Veterans who showcase their achievements in the festival are selected gold medal winners of national art, music, dance, drama, and writing competitions. The festival is presented by VA and the American Legion Auxiliary and culminates with a stage performance, writing exhibition, and gallery-style showcase of artwork.