Arts in Health Ocala Metro (AIHOM) has been awarded a second Creative Forces® Community Engagement Grant, a nationally competitive award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA). The grant will support the launch of Jam Corps, a music-making and songwriting program for veterans in Marion County centered around informal jam sessions, creative collaboration, and peer connection.

Jam Corps will provide veterans with a dedicated, non-clinical space to gather weekly, make music together, write original songs, rehearse, and build meaningful connections through shared creative experiences. Developed in partnership with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4209 McCullough-Mixson, the program is designed to foster community, creativity, and camaraderie among local veterans.

Throughout the program, participants will have opportunities to strengthen their musical skills individually and collectively while exploring creative expression in a supportive environment. The experience will culminate with a no cost public performance showcase at the historic downtown Marion Theatre, celebrating the talents, stories, and achievements of participating veterans.

"Receiving a second Creative Forces grant is an incredible honor and a testament to the importance of creating opportunities for veterans to connect through the arts," said Patricia Tomlinson, Executive Director of Arts in Health Ocala Metro. "Jam Corps will provide a welcoming community space where veterans can build relationships, share their experiences, and discover the power of collaborative music-making."

Creative Forces Community Engagement grants support community-based arts programs that serve military-connected individuals, including veterans, service members, family members, and caregivers. According to the National Endowment for the Arts and Mid-America Arts Alliance, the program aims to enhance health, well-being, resilience, and social connection through meaningful arts engagement opportunities.

This award marks the second time Arts in Health Ocala Metro has received Creative Forces funding, further strengthening the organization's commitment to serving veterans through accessible, evidence-informed arts programming.

Jam Corps is funded in part by 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. The Creative Forces Community Engagement Grant program is managed by Mid-America Arts Alliance.

To learn more about the Creative Forces Community Engagement Grant visit: https://www.arts.gov/news/press-releases/2026/creative-forces-expands-arts-engagement-opportunities-military-nationwide