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Commission hears veterans-serving arts groups ask for outreach, simple metrics and a small pilot

Surprise Arts & Culture Advisory Commission · February 4, 2026
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Summary

Local veterans-serving arts organizations told the Surprise Arts & Culture Advisory Commission on Feb. 4 that transportation, timing and trust keep many veterans from participating; they asked the city for marketing support, referrals and a small 6–9 month pilot to boost engagement.

The Surprise Arts & Culture Advisory Commission on Feb. 4 convened a roundtable with local veterans-serving arts organizations to map existing programs, surface barriers to participation and consider modest city support to expand veteran engagement.

The meeting, opened by the commission chair, brought representatives from WHAM, the West Valley Arts Council, and a Surprise-based veterans theater nonprofit to describe year-round classes, exhibits and productions aimed at veterans. Connie, representing WHAM, described an 11–12 year program that offers three classes a month, a dedicated wall for veteran artwork and regional outreach across Surprise, Peoria, Goodyear and Avondale. "We started out with a very small group...we bring them together under the roof, and through art to give them a place to connect," Connie said.

Michael (last…

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