Austin Veteran Arts Festival (AVAFEST)

The Austin Veterans Art Festival celebrates and empowers veteran artists by providing a platform for creative expression, healing, and community engagement. Through diverse artistic mediums, we honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans, creating a supportive environment that bridges the gap between veterans and the broader community. Our vision is to become a premier cultural event that unites veterans and the community through the power of art. We aim to inspire, uplift, and heal by showcasing the talents of veteran artists, creating a lasting impact on the lives of participants, and contributing to a more inclusive and appreciative society for those who have served our nation. Our mission is to provide support and enlighten the community on the issues surrounding veterans physically, mentally, and emotionally by using art. This festival will help veterans and their family members across the nation learn, realize, and connect with art and its healing power. While celebrating our histories through visual art, photography, sculpture, theatre, poetry, dance, music, comedy & culinary arts. Art relieves stress, enhances problem-solving skills, boosts self-esteem, and provides a sense of accomplishment. Our goal is to provide creative expression to increase brain connectivity, tolerance, and feelings of love, therefore decreasing agitation, aggression, anxiety, and depression in the veteran and veteran family member population.