New NEA Grants Support Veterans and the Arts Initiative Programs This Fall

This summer, George Mason University's Veterans and the Arts Initiative, based at the Hylton Center, received two grants from the National Endowment for the Arts to support programs for Veterans, Servicemembers, military families, and caregivers. The workshops and community events, taking place both virtually and at the Hylton Center this fall, support the work of the Initiative, which has served more than 20,000 military-connected people across Northern Virginia through programming that presents new artistic opportunities in a setting that also supports social connections with community members.  

Beginning September 23, George Mason University's College of Visual and Performing Arts Dean, Rick Davis, will lead In Service of Theater: A Staged Reading Program for the Military and Veteran Community. In weekly sessions, participants will explore texts about military life and service and develop a rehearsed reading that culminates in a public performance on October 28.

"I'm looking forward to working with our Veterans and the Arts community to create a meaningful montage of dramatic scenes, narratives, and poetry that connects the workshop participants with an audience through the medium of language," said Davis. "The 'staged reading' format is an elegant but simple way to focus on the stories and images of the texts without the extra bells and whistles of a full production."

The program, funded in part by Creative Forces^®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, an initiative of the National Endowment in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, will be presented in partnership with Virginia Department of Veterans. The Creative Forces Community Engagement Grant program is managed by Mid-America Arts Alliance.

"For our Servicemembers, Veterans, and their families, the arts offer an opportunity to create, to express, and to perform, and especially, to do so collaboratively. The In Service of Theater staged reading program is the latest initiative of George Mason University's exceptional  Veterans and the Arts Initiative. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS) is proud to support it," said Steven Combs, VDVS Deputy Commissioner.

The second grant from the National Endowment for the Arts supports three U.S. Military Band performances at the Hylton Center. On September 16 and 17, the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own," directed by Col. Scott McKenzie-a Prince William Public Schools graduate who received his master's degree in music from George Mason University-will present two free daytime educational concerts for middle and high school students across the region.

On September 27, community members of all ages will also have the opportunity to enjoy The U.S. Army Field Band's 80th Anniversary Concert, featuring multiple Field Band ensembles, and favorite works such as Respighi's Pines of Rome and the finale of Beethoven's Ninth, as well as the Hylton Center debut of the Army Rappers. Tickets for The U.S. Army Field Band concert are free and general admission (limit four tickets per order). Each patron must have a ticket to attend. Tickets are available online or in person at the Hylton Center Ticket Office.

"This season marks another exciting milestone for the Veterans and the Arts Initiative as we received two grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. This support allows us to innovatively expand the impactful programming that brings our veterans, servicemembers, families, and caregivers, as well as local students, together through creativity, collaborative storytelling, and shared artistic experiences," said Niyati Dhokai, program director for the Veterans and the Arts Initiative and research associate professor at George Mason.

The grant-supported workshops and concerts are just a few of the returning and new Veterans and Arts Initiative programs at the Hylton Center this fall:

• Instructor Glen McCarthy will be leading weekly Level I and Level II Veterans Virtual Guitar workshops for beginning and experienced musicians beginning September 22.

• On October 17, veterans, servicemembers, and military family members can join artist and U.S. Air Force Veteran Patrick Sargent for the Laser Engraved Relief Print Workshop and create relief prints based on self-portraits or beloved pets.

• On October 24, the Screen-Printed Luminaries Workshop will offer the opportunity to celebrate America's 250th anniversary with a hands-on class focused on the design and printing of patriotic-themed paper luminaries.

• On November 4 and 5, artist, U.S. Air Force veteran, and George Mason alumnus Steven Luu will facilitate The Ritual of Mask Making: Play, Performance, and Self-Permission, which enables participants to share stories through mask creation and personal reflection.

All workshops are open and free to veterans, servicemembers, military family members, and military caregivers.

For more information on upcoming events, visit HyltonCenter.org.