The National Veterans Creative Arts Competition is co-presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Legion Auxiliary. The program is open to U.S. military veterans who are eligible for VA health care and enrolled in the VA health care system.
For the national cycle, the 2027 submission window runs February 1 through March 15, 2027. Eligible artwork must be created or recorded on or after October 1, 2025. The 2027 National Festival is scheduled for November 2027 in Orlando, Florida.
A key change in recent cycles: veterans are no longer required to enter a local or regional competition to qualify for nationals. Veterans may submit directly during the national window.
The competition spans over 100 categories in five divisions: art, creative writing, dance, drama, and music. This includes visual art categories such as painting, photography, ceramics, woodworking, jewelry, and metal work.
Regional competitions also continue. For example, the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend (VCB) Regional Creative Arts Competition has a deadline of July 27, 2026, with artwork eligible if created or recorded on or after October 1, 2025.
According to the VA, engaging in the creative arts has been shown to improve the perceived physical and psychological health of participants.
Source: department.va.gov/veteran-sports/national-veterans-creative-arts-festival · va.gov/texas-valley-health-care
