AVAC Arts Career Bridge
A 10-week workforce accelerator experience preparing veterans and military spouses for meaningful careers across the arts, culture, and creative industries.
Through skills training, mentorship, and institutional partnerships, AVAC connects military-trained professionals with roles in museums, galleries, performing arts centers, and cultural organizations throughout the nation’s capital.
A Bridge from Service to Culture
The AVAC Career Bridge Program prepares veterans and military spouses for meaningful careers in arts and culture through 10 weeks of intensive workforce development.
Through partnerships with the Smithsonian, Boston University, and Syracuse University’s Institute for Veteran and Military Families(IVMF), we provide skills training, professional mentorship, and direct employer connections—equipping participants with everything needed to transition from military service to cultural leadership.
Why This Matters Now
Washington, DC’s $5 billion creative economy faces historic pressure—from funding uncertainty to workforce shortages. Cultural institutions urgently need qualified professionals.
Veterans face unemployment as federal jobs shrink
Few programs connect veterans to arts careers
DC veteran unemployment exceeds national average
AVAC bridges this critical gap
Cultural Sector Under Strain
Washington, DC’s $5 billion creative economy faces historic pressure — from funding uncertainty and slower audience recovery to workforce shortages and diversity gaps. Cultural institutions urgently need qualified, mission-driven professionals to sustain their impact.
Veterans at Risk
At the same time, federal workforce contractions — including a projected reduction in Department of Veterans Affairs staffing — are leaving thousands of veterans vulnerable. Veteran unemployment in DC remains higher than the national average, with limited access to stable, purpose-driven careers.
The Missing Bridge
Few programs intentionally connect veterans to creative economy employment. AVAC fills that gap—serving as the turnkey, employer-integrated bridge that strengthens the cultural workforce while advancing veteran economic mobility.
What Makes AVAC Unique
Employer-Integrated Design
Each cohort is co-developed with museum, university, and nonprofit partners to ensure training aligns with real hiring needs.
Evidence-Based Curriculum
Developed with guidance from faculty and researchers at Boston University’s Center for Future Readiness (CFR).
National Veteran Expertise
Supported by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University.
Institutional Alignment
Built in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution Office of Academic Appointments and Fellowships, reinforcing access to world-class cultural environments.
Holistic Support
Mentorship, mental-health check-ins, and professional coaching create an ecosystem of belonging and accountability for every participant.
Building Careers Through Purpose and Preparation
The AVAC Career Bridge Program transforms military leadership into cultural impact. Through evidence-based curriculum, professional mentorship, and direct institutional partnerships, we prepare veterans for meaningful careers in museums, galleries, performing arts centers, and creative organizations.
Our 10-week intensive experience provides skills training, portfolio development, and employer networking—equipping participants with everything needed to transition from military service to cultural leadership.
Our Edge:
Where Purpose Meets Practice
The AVAC Edge combines structured learning, professional mentorship, and hands-on institutional exposure to help veterans navigate the transition from military service to cultural leadership. Over 10 weeks, participants progress through a curriculum that blends career readiness with creative exploration.
Creative Industry Labs
Sessions with curators and cultural executives across DC institutions
Employer Engagement
Build relationships with hiring institutions and learn how organizations actually recruit.
Capstone Presentation
Showcase developed skills through a real-world project informed by industry feedback.
Orientation & Strengths Mapping
Identify transferable skills through assessment and storytelling workshops
Cultural Sector Foundations
Understanding museum, performing arts, and nonprofit operations
Professional Development
Resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn optimization for arts-sector hiring