A cohort is a group of people working in concert with each other for a common goal. Military units can also be known as cohorts. So it seemed more than fitting to bring together the nine organizations receiving an N.C. Arts Council Military and Veterans Healing Arts grant this year, to form an arts cohort to learn and share ideas to make the arts more accessible for veterans, those currently serving in the military, and their families.
The cohort will meet three times this year with the goal of creating a community of support that will last beyond this grant cycle. Their goals are to make peer-to-peer connections, brainstorm with like-minded and experienced colleagues, and plan how to work with local and state organizations who can help them build capacity and expand access for active and retired service men and women across the state. In early 2025, cohort participants will receive training from the U.S.O. about cultural competencies and accessibility training from experts familiar with arts accessibility and the specific needs members of the military might have, “Having strong partnerships and relationships is the goal so that these organizations can grow a network and help each other find resources,” explains Erin Rembert, N.C. Arts Council program coordinator. “These are the people in the community, doing the work, so they know what they need. This group will understand each other in a unique way.”
The 2024/2025 Military and Veterans Healing Arts cohort members are:
- Black Box Dance Theatre: creating Patriot Path Forward Movement Therapy and stage shows in Asheville and the Triangle.
- The Joel Fund: offering Operation Art, classes for veterans, by veterans. This community arts program will connect veterans and their families with peers in their community through the power of art. The Joel Fund will also use grant funds to make accessibility improvements and repairs in their facility.
- City of Oxford: creating the first veterans' mural in the city of Oxford and in Granville County, on a small business owned by a woman veteran. This project also includes mindfulness workshops and community programs. Project partners include Aletha Williams (an artist and project manager who is a veteran herself), the Downtown Economic Development Committee, the Tobacco Wood Brewing Company, and Mark Pace (Oxford historian and librarian).
- ComMotion—Community in Motion: offering a wellness and movement program to help veterans improve strength, flexibility, and stamina while also reducing stress through elements of dance, Pilates, and martial arts adapted for a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities. The program will also connect participants with other veterans and service members.
- Station Foundation: preserving the health and wellness of Special Operations Forces (SOF) by equipping SOF families with resources needed to navigate the impact of combat. The program will take place at the Fort Liberty outstation and includes 10 art events annually with mindfulness and positive psychology approaches interwoven into the events.
- Onslow Originals: facilitating Military Art Group (M.A.G.) open studio sessions with optional instructional help, two workshops, and teaching artist training
- Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra: presenting a family-friendly holiday concert and educational program at Fort Liberty.
- Arts Council of Moore County: presenting “Healing Through the Arts,” an arts series to spark creativity, resilience, and understanding through the restorative power of art for their military and veteran community. This series will encompass an array of activities: an exhibit, workshop, classes, and musical performances.
- McDowell Arts Council Association: hosting a one-year artist residency in partnership with McDowell Technical Community College and McDowell County Senior Center, which will provide a free heritage craft workshop series for veterans and military families.
For more information: Military and Veterans Healing Arts Grants | NC Arts Council.