VETERAN ART INSTITUTE

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Grantee Database

Grant Year

2023-24

Grant Program

Impact Projects

Award Amount

$25,000.00

Project Description

With support from the California Arts Council, the Veteran Art Institute (VAI) will enhance our venue by implementing software, the “Enterprise Information Management.” This allows veterans to host an interactive “site page” hosting profiles, artworks and compelling stories. This ability to connect veterans and their narratives to each other, to patrons and to the general public, has long been sorely needed!!! With broadened reach, VAI can assist veterans addressing critical issues, particularly high suicide rates, mental health struggles and promoting psychological well-being and healing. Additionally, VAI contributes to development of an inclusive and empathetic California community.
Additionally covered, education for veterans and the public about how the arts transform us, assistance (like media kits) sent for local exhibits and a mentoring program (seasoned artists with newer artists).Recruiting new veterans via social media, radio and print.

Organization Summary

The Veteran Art Institute is an art-based service for veterans as stated in our mission. The core programs and services offered by the Veteran Art Institute (VAI) are to offer California veterans a safe space to practice and explore their art, connect with like minded veterans and tell their stories to the public if so desired. VAI also hopes to create a sense of camaraderie among veterans, often lost when they leave the military. The goal is to create a dynamic platform.. The current state of the VAI is static and does not meet our mission. This grant would help build out the Veteran Art Institute to offer an open-ended platform to educate veterans, active military and the public about how art heals. This can be achieved by developing the website to be interactive, thus attracting more Veterans who might need help but do not want to disclose it. The “art of doing art” is therapy, encouraging veterans to free their minds from internal or external influences facilitating healing. Especially targets veterans who do not wish to engage government “help” such as the VA etc. Art has been called the 2nd Responder — and addresses the 20+ suicides in the veteran community. Isolation is often an impact of veteran mental health. VAI aims to increase the visibility of our participating and new veteran artists and demonstrate how Art Transforms and Heals. With this in mind, VAI hopes to foster greater understanding and empathy within the community towards the experience of veterans. Not to mention, enriching the artistic CA landscape by bringing forward unique perspectives and experiences. Art and Healing is at the center of VAI’s Core Programs and Services.

Organization