National Veterans Creative Arts Competition and Festival
You have two ways to share your creativity this year. Veterans can participate in the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend (VCB) Health Care System Regional Creative Arts Competition and the National Veterans Creative Arts Competition. Both programs give you a chance to express yourself through writing, dance, drama, music, or visual art. Creative expression supports healing and emotional well-being, and sharing your story can inspire other Veterans on their own recovery journey.
Key dates to note
VCB Regional Creative Arts Competition
• Deadline to enter: July 27, 2026
• Eligible artwork: Must be created or recorded on or after October 1, 2025
• San Benito Exhibit: November 2026
• Corpus Christi Exhibit: March 2027
• Questions: Contact Jessica Carmona at 956‑291‑9132 or email VHAVCBCreativeArts@va.gov
(Email confirmed in internal communication.)
National Veterans Creative Arts Competition
• Submission window: February 1–March 15, 2027
• Eligible artwork: Must be created or recorded on or after October 1, 2025
• National Festival: November 2027, Orlando, Florida
• Rules & entry instructions: TBA
• Veterans should check the National Creative Arts Competition website for updates closer to the 2027 cycle.
Rules and entry forms
Each year, nationwide, Veterans enrolled at VA health care facilities compete in a local creative arts competition. The 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 writing as well as the performing arts of dance, drama, and music.
Veterans can participate in two different Creative Arts Competitions:
- VCB Regional Creative Arts Competition
- National Veterans Creative Arts Competition
Both competitions share one rule:
Your artwork must be created or recorded on or after October 1, 2025.
- VCB REGIONAL CREATIVE ARTS COMPETITION
Deadline to enter
• Monday, July 27, 2026
Regional exhibits
• San Benito Exhibit: November 2026
• Corpus Christi Exhibit: March 2027
Who can enter
• Any Veteran enrolled in VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System.
Why enter
• Share your creativity
• Connect with other Veterans
• Celebrate recovery and wellness through the arts
- NATIONAL VETERANS CREATIVE ARTS COMPETITION
Key changes
• Veterans are no longer required to enter a local or regional competition to qualify for nationals.
• You may submit directly during the national window.
National submission window
• February 1–March 15, 2027
National Festival
• November 2027, Orlando, Florida
Rules and guidelines
• See the national 2027 rules and guidelines here: 2027 NVCAF Competition Handbook
How to Enter the Competitions
How to Enter the VCB Regional Creative Arts Competition
- Create artwork completed on or after October 1, 2025.
- Complete required forms as needed:
• VA Form 10‑3203 (consent for statements, photos, digital images, video, or audio) - Email your artwork and completed forms to:
VHAVCBCreativeArts@va.gov Submit before the regional deadline: Monday, July 27, 2026.
Regional Exhibits
• San Benito Exhibit: November 2026
• Corpus Christi Exhibit: March 2027
How to Enter the National Creative Arts Competition
What we know so far:
• You may submit directly to the National Competition. Local entry is not required.
• Your artwork must be created or recorded on or after October 1, 2025.
• The submission window will be: February 1–March 15, 2027.
• The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival will be held in November 2027 in Orlando, Florida.
National Entry Forms are not available yet.
National rules and step‑by‑step entry instructions are available. See the National Veterans Creative Arts Competition website for the 2027 NVCAF Competition Handbook here:
https://department.va.gov/veteran-sports/national-veterans-creative-arts-festival/