| Please sign up for our USVAP News Letter |
Overview of United States Veterans Arts Program(click for downloadable PDF detail overview)
-Formed in 1998 by Vietnam veteran, musician, composer and educator Kimo Williams, with the original name “Art Synergy”, to create collaborative programs with US and Vietnamese artists in order to increase cultural appreciation and respect
-Amended mission and name to United States Veterans Arts Program, to increase the representation of veterans in the arts community and started “Artistic Tools®” program to provide veteran artists the resources to continue their artistic efforts.
Past programs include:
-Performance of Kimo’s symphonic piece “Symphony for the Sons of Nam” with the Ho Chi Minh Symphony Orchestra
-Vietnamese composer Dr. Von Nam trip to the US for performance at USVAP event at CCC and visits to Chicago schools
-“River of Many Sides” multi-media work event at UIC, with US and Vietnamese artists.
-Performance of Kimo’s big band “Kimotion” at the Hue Festival in 2008, including traditional Vietnamese instrumentalists, which premiered “The Story of Hue”, celebrating the Court Music of Vietnam of the 18th century
-Support of Fulbright Specialist Program to teach workshop on Music Technology at the Hue Academy
-Concert at Ho Chi Minh Conservatory for presentation of Artistic Tools to residents of a local orphanage in the city.
-Presentation of Artistic Tools to wounded veterans in 2009, 2010 and 2011 in Chicago, including the annual benefit conncert with Gary Sinise and the Lt Dan Band.
-Community Outreach Programs on CAN TV, including short programs called “American Soldier” and “Empty Boots” aired through Summer 2010.
-Appearance at the Wisconsin LZ Lambeau Welcome Home Event
Future programs include:
-“Artistic Tools” presentations at VA medical centers in Vermont, St. Louis, Texas and Minnesota
