Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay- The Vision

 Introduction:

Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay (VACTB) 501C-3 is being planned as a national, regional, and local center to provide supportive services to Military, Veterans and their families and to support development of artistic talent and creativity and show case Veterans accomplishments to the Nation.

VACTB will promote fine art by local and national artists who are United States Veterans, to provide a National Gallery of Military and Veteran art, to teach art and to provide art as a means of therapy for veterans.   The center will also organize national traveling exhibits centered on themes related to national military history and veteran’s art projects.  VACTB will also have a commercial gallery, Operation Art, to support sales of veteran’s art which will serve to provide economic support for the artists as well as revenue for the Center.

VACTB will also provide space for traveling rotating exhibits, therapy, programs and work areas.  IE:  Heaven drop, Greg Marra Sculptures, Talkie Podcast Station.  The Center will attract visitors and artists’ into the Bay area and act as a destination for events and activities.

The VACTB will be located in the City of Saint Petersburg Florida, a city with a vibrant art scene.  Tampa Bay has a large number of Veterans as does the State of Florida in particular and will be an optimum central location that will also add to the tapestry of art, culture, services, and support for the growth of the economy that is taking place in Saint Petersburg.

VACTB is seeking private donations from individuals and foundations, as well as available grants to fund a suitable facility and support ongoing facility costs, provide career opportunities for qualified veterans, and to cover the ongoing costs of salaries, operations, supplies, utilities, exhibit design, transportation and shipping costs for traveling exhibits, marketing etc.

 VACTB Organizational Structure:

VACTB is a nonprofit organization that promotes wellness and recovery activities nationally.

VACTB therapy programs will be provided by the local affiliate of.  There will also be a supporting Veterans department that will include the development of supportive Veterans projects.  VACTB will also have an exhibits department with staff that will design and promote local and traveling exhibitions.  Operation Art Veterans Gallery will feature a commercial Veteran’s art program.

Facility and Location:

The Directors of the VACTB are currently exploring real estate in Saint Petersburg in the vicinity of the arts district.  Facility needs include gallery space for exhibits, space for development of traveling exhibits, retail space for Operation Art, and staff office space.

All programs require ample parking for clients and patrons.

Planning Outline and Planning Goals:

The Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay will be the most unique project in the nation, providing services economic and therapeutic support for Veterans and their families while promoting talent and creativity.  We invite supporters and potential partners to join us in this noble cause.  We will be happy to provide consultation and further presentations, and in-depth meetings and discussions on how you can become an important contributor, sponsor, and partner in this vital endeavor.  For more information, contact:

Scott  “Mack” Macksam  MAOM

MAJ (R) USA

President

[email protected]

www.operationart.us

813.504.3092

  Their website address is www.vactb.org