The June festival put more than 100 veterans on a national stage. Four months later, the more interesting story is what they did with it.
COLUMBIA, S.C. In June, Columbia hosted the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival for the first time. The six-day event ran June 9 to 14 and was hosted by the Columbia VA Health Care System with the VA Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events.
More than 100 veterans took part. Each had won first place in a local VA creative arts competition before advancing to the national level. The categories were visual arts, creative writing, music, dance, and drama. The week included workshops, performances, exhibits, and collaborative learning sessions.
Two events were open to the public at no charge. Live performances took place at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at the University of South Carolina Pastides Alumni Center. An art and writing exhibition ran from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, June 12, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
Organizers describe the festival as a celebration of artistic achievement that also supports rehabilitation, recovery, and well-being. They point to confidence, social connection, and physical and emotional health as benefits.
What the published coverage does not say is what came after. Did a poet from the writing category find a publisher? Did a painter sell work or land a gallery show? Did local VA programs see more veterans sign up for their competitions this year?
Brush & Quill will look for those answers. We are asking the Columbia VA and the national festival office for a list of category winners, and we want to hear from any participant who is willing to talk about the months since.
Sources and links
- WRHI: Columbia to host National Veterans Creative Arts Festival for the first time
- Columbia VA: news release on hosting the 2026 festival
- American Legion Auxiliary: National Veterans Creative Arts Festival
