“HEALING VETERANS AND MILITARY PERSONNEL USING THE ARTS & COMMUNITY”
It’s estimated that about 20 U.S. veterans commit suicide daily. One event is promoting art as a means to address PTSD and depression, and you can show support from anywhere just by signing up.
Are you excited about the return of AVAFEST but don’t have the means to be there in person? You don’t have to miss it because you can now join without even leaving your house.
The Veterans Suicide Prevention Channel (VSPC) has announced the return of the Austin Veteran Arts Festival (AVAFEST) in 2021 and called on interested participants to register before the deadline on Wednesday, September 1. AVAFEST, which is set to be an exclusively online event, will take place between October 16 and November 14.
More information is available at https://www.avafest.org
With the new announcement, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to a gathering that has been instrumental in addressing the problem of suicide among U.S. veterans. Approximately 32% of veterans are suffering from depression and about 7,300 commit suicide annually.
During the event, you'll see the various art pieces created by talented uniformed personnel and veterans from Texas and around the country. The exhibit will also give you a chance to help artists financially, as you'll be able to purchase original artwork and merchandise.
Moreover, if you wish to sponsor a veteran, you'll be able to do so through Run, Walk, And Roll, a 5K race.
This year’s event will also feature the performance of a number of dancers, singers, comedians, bands, and theater artists. Furthermore, the organizers will introduce 11 new health and wellness programs that will cater to veterans and their families.
You can check out more details at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTFIXs3eqdA
The upcoming outing is the third AVAFEST that will be held in Austin, with the inaugural event taking place in 2018 at The Belmont. The second festival became a citywide event, which attracted the support of the city and state governments.
According to the VSPC, the city of Austin acknowledged the festival’s past successes and asked for its return. AVAFEST 2021 is the result of its cooperation with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department.
The group is expecting this year’s showing to be “more expansive” than the previous ones because of its online nature. “Because of this, for the very first time, we hope that many more veterans, military personnel, and their families will be able to participate and experience what AVAFEST is truly all about,” it stated on its website.
Our veterans need your support more than ever. Sign up now and join others in saving more lives through the therapeutic power of art!
Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B_Po466TWg so you can find out more!
