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2023 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.

Bay Pines VA hosts their local competition each year to select the best entries to represent our healthcare system in the national-level competition. Veterans exhibit their artwork and original writings or perform musical, dance or dramatic selections. Selected gold-medal-winning Veterans are invited to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, which is hosted by a different VA facility each year. 

The 2023 competition has closed. National competition results will be announced in December 2023. 

The 2023 National Veterans Creative Arts Competition- Bay Pines VAHCS  was held on Sept. 14, 2023 in the J.C. Cobb room of building 100 on the Bay Pines VA’s main campus. To view the virtual gallery, please click here.

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.

Learn more about the National Creative Arts Festival

If you have questions, please contact one of the following coordinators:            

Email: VHABAYArtShow@va.gov

Erin Todd, MT-BC

Jessica D’Alessio, CTRS , ext. 14820

Jenny Campbell, CTRS , ext. 12793