Since 9/11, the country as a whole has seen more wounded warriors return home with visible and invisible injuries sustained in the line of duty. As more research and media emerged explaining the positive effects of the arts for PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI), we realized we had a duty to implement greater efforts to build stronger ties to our military community. Our efforts include discounted tickets, our education from national organizations, art making experiences and conversations, direct community involvement as well as military-themed programming — converged into a united push to bridge any gaps between us, our military and their families.
Since we regard our military with the utmost respect, we know people in the military and their families have chosen a tough path. It is our earnest desire to demonstrate that the performing arts can allow safe passage back to self and home.
Your VetChat
In our commitment to the veteran community, Your VetChat is a monthly virtual gathering designed to prompt conversations between active-duty military, veterans and their families on topics of their choice. Created in conjunction with the veteran community, national researchers and military support organizations, we offer a safe space for connections and emotional reinforcement, especially in times of separation and isolation, such as the pandemic. The chats also provide an artistic outlet with creative cues and guest presenters with the goal to spark creativity and conversation. Your VetChat is presented live, virtually, on the third Thursday of each month and is part of the Straz Center’s involvement in Creative Forces®, a national initiative funded by the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, Americans for the Arts.
Military Nights
Military Nights include discounted, and/or complimentary tickets for active service members, veterans and their families to a variety of Straz Center performances, along with recognition and gratitude for serving our country.
Veteran Civilian Dance Ensemble
The Veteran Civilian Dance Ensemble includes veterans and civilians who participated in the 2019 Diavolo workshop. Weekly group workshops are provided free of charge and are available by registering through the Patel Conservatory. To register, contact communityprograms@strazcenter.org.
VetArtSpan
VetArtSpan provides an artistic roadmap to bridge collaborations of medical, science and arts communities to foster healing, wellness and smooth reentry of our veterans and their families into our community. The program teaches civilians about the structure and cultural nuances of military life and how they can help create support methods for veteran families through arts and meaningful discussion. The Straz coordinates and is responsible for VetArtSpan, which is part of Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs and state and local arts agencies.
Veterans' Creative Arts Showcase
You can support the talents of our local veteran artists at the Veterans’ Creative Arts Showcase. The Straz Center in collaboration with the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and Bay Pines VA Healthcare Systems, present this free event showcasing a range of works from Tampa Bay-area veterans.
Funded in part by
Legacy Resource Foundation
Straz Salutes is 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. Creative Forces Community Engagement Grant program is managed by Mid-America Arts Alliance.