Creative Arts competition
Creative arts is a wonderful way to help Veterans reach their rehabilitation goals. Our annual creative arts competition recognizes the progress and recovery our Veterans make through that therapy and raises the visibility of their creative achievements.
Local Creative Arts competition
Our local competition includes categories in the visual arts division that range from oil painting to leatherwork to paint-by-number kits. In addition, there are categories in creative writing as well as the performing arts of dance, drama, and music.
Local creative arts competition top winning entries advance to a national judging process and first, second and third place entries are determined at the national level. First place winning Veterans are invited to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival hosted by a different VA facility each year.
2026 VA Gulf Coast local creative arts competition
Creative Arts Show: August 12-13, 2026
Details:
Art Viewing & Judging: Wednesday, August12, 2026 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm
Music, Dance, Drama & Creative Writing: Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 1:00 pm
Location: Biloxi VA Medical Center, 400 Veterans Ave, Biloxi, Mississippi, Building 17, Recreation Hall
How to Enter:
Application Deadline: Entry forms received or postmarked by Friday, July 31, 2026
In- Person Entry Drop Off : August 12 & 13
Email all entries to: GulfCoastVACreativeArts@va.gov
Mail applications to:
Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System
c/o Aja Guice, RT Supervisor
Routing # 135
400 Veterans Avenue
Biloxi, MS 39531
Eligibility:
The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is open to U.S. military Veterans who are eligible for VA health care and enrolled in the VA health care system prior to submission of their entry/application. To enroll in VA health care, submit the Application for Health Benefits OR VA Registration (VA Form 1010EZ).
For category listings and entry Information contact:
Aja Guice, Recreation Supervisor,
Garrett Davenport, CTRS,