The National Endowment for the Arts and Mid-America Arts Alliance (MAAA) recently announced the first group of recipients of the Creative Forces Community Engagement Grant program, and A Tempo this Saturday explores how arts programs like these can improve the well-being and health of veterans returning from service.
Host Rachel Katz will speak with Christine Bial, Director of Arts and Humanities Grant Programs at MAAA and Alisha Ali, lead researcher at DE-CRUIT, in which veterans find themes in Shakespeare that resonate with them and create monologues based on their own experiences. The conversation will discuss the variety of initiatives receiving the grants, from glass-blowing to creative writing to dance; DE-CRUIT's programs; and how the arts in general have provided options in helping people facing trauma.
The grant program awarded a total of $750,385 to 26 organizations in its inaugural round.