IMPACT

Creativity Strengthens Community

SPARK! Creative Lab brings Veterans and artists together to explore creativity as a pathway to connection, expression, and community well-being.

Through workshops, performances, and collaborative projects, Veterans and artists create spaces where creativity opens new avenues for expression and invites the broader community to listen more deeply.

Our work is rooted in a simple belief:

Veterans bring the mission.
Artists bring the medium.
Together, they build community.

Impact Snapshot

March 2025 – March 2026

20

Creative workshops delivered across Oklahoma

Programs hosted at Veteran centers, arts institutions, and community organizations including the Norman Veterans Center, Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, American Legion and VFW posts, and the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic.

120+

Veterans participated in creative programs

Participants explored rhythm, movement, visual art, and storytelling in welcoming, non-clinical environments designed to encourage creativity and connection.

1,200+

Veterans and military families reached through outreach

Including the Women Veterans Celebration Summit, VetFest at American Legion Post 12, Veteran Services Officer Training, and SPARK! alumni gatherings.

800+

Audience members experienced SPARK! performances and film

Through Ditty Bops performances and documentary screenings at deadCenter Film Festival, Circle Cinema, and Red Brick Road Film Festival.

4

Veterans now employed as SPARK! company artists

Workshop participants who now help facilitate programs and creative experiences for other Veterans.

Our Approach

SPARK! programs are designed as non-clinical creative spaces where Veterans and artists explore creativity together.

Workshops and programs may include:

  • Rhythm and Morse code–based creative exercises

  • Movement and embodied expression

  • Visual art and mask making

  • Storytelling and performance development

  • Songwriting

These experiences encourage creativity, connection, and deeper community understanding.

Partners and Collaborators

SPARK! collaborates with a growing network of organizations across Oklahoma, including:

• Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs
• Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Red Rock
• Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center
• Oklahoma City Museum of Art
• American Legion and VFW posts
• Community arts organizations and Veteran service groups

Together, we are building a statewide network of creative engagement for Veterans.

How We Measure Impact

SPARK! evaluates its work through a combination of participation data, participant feedback, and community partnerships.

We track:

• Number of workshops and creative programs delivered
• Veteran participation and repeat engagement
• Public audiences reached through performances and events
• New creative leadership opportunities for Veterans
• Partnerships developed with arts and Veteran-serving organizations

Participant feedback and facilitator reflections help us continually refine our programs so they remain welcoming, meaningful, and accessible.

Our goal is not only to deliver programs, but to cultivate lasting creative community.

Transparency

SPARK! Creative Lab is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

We are proud to hold Candid’s 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency, demonstrating our commitment to accountability and responsible stewardship.